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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - Black Cat Cruises

4.8

1344

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Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest.

Highlights

Enjoy the beautiful scenery around Akaroa Harbour
Watch dolphins, penguins, fur seals and birds in their natural habitat
View the stunning volcanic formation of Cathedral Cove
Relaxing cruise aboard our comfortable catamaran

Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin – the endangered Hector’s dolphin. Cruise past Akaroa’s dramatic volcanic sea cliffs, fur seal colonies, and marine birdlife, all while gaining insight into the area’s rich natural and cultural history.

Black Cat Cruises are leaders in eco-tourism. During your cruise with us, you’ll discover the fascinating behaviors of Akaroa’s wildlife, learn about conservation efforts aimed at repopulating Hector’s dolphins, and explore how we can all contribute to their thriving future for generations to come.

Dolphins are sighted on 95% of our trips, if you do not see dolphins, we will give you a voucher to go again another day. Voted one of the top 101 things to do in New Zealand by local New Zealanders!

Adult $125.00 (16+ years)

Child $60.00 (5-15 years)

Infant $0.00 (0 - 4 years)

Duration

Allow approximately 2 hours for the whole experience

Location

Akaroa Main Wharf
Akaroa
7520

Child Friendly

This experience welcomes families with children.

Bad Weather Refunds

If your experience is cancelled by the operator (because of the bad weather, safety concerns, unscheduled maintenance etc) you will be entitled to a full refund.

Notes

Product Extras: If you need to book additional spaces for adults or children, this can be done on your way to checkout.
Child Age is 5-15 years old.
Complimentary tea/coffee is provided on board. Light snacks and cold drinks are available on board including wine & beer.
New Pricing Adults $125.00 & Child (5-15yrs) $60.00

Available Bookings from29 Mar to 11 Apr 2026

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates

10:45AM

1:30PM

Sun 29 Mar

Mon 30 Mar

Tue 31 Mar

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Adult$95.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Bookings close in 4 hours...

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers who’ve actually done this experience, summarised with AI support

emergencyMany customers praised the friendly and knowledgeable crew, highlighting their engaging commentary and exceptional service (45 people said this).
emergencyThe opportunity to see Hector's dolphins and other wildlife like seals and penguins was frequently mentioned as a highlight of the cruise (38 people said this).
emergencyThe scenic beauty of Akaroa Harbour and the overall experience were described as breathtaking and memorable (32 people said this).
emergencyCustomers appreciated the comfortable boat and the availability of blankets for warmth during the cruise (15 people said this).
emergencyMany reviewers noted that the cruise was well-organized and suitable for all ages, making it a great family activity (20 people said this).
emergencyThe extra effort by the crew to retrieve lost items and accommodate guests was frequently highlighted as a testament to their excellent service (10 people said this).
star_shineBring a camera to capture the stunning views and wildlife.
Consider taking motion sickness medication if you're prone to seasickness.

5 Stars

1130

4 Stars

166

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Stars

4.8

1344 reviews

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - Black Cat Cruises

Showing all 1344 authenticated Bookme reviews

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Lorraine, Jim, Essie from New Zealand wrote on 28 March 2026

Birthday Preschooler Experience

Our little person loved Hector so much. Way better than buying lots of plastic things. Great experience

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Tracey Morton from Australia wrote on 20 March 2026

Relaxing cruise

A relaxing, slow-moving cruise out to see the dolphins. Crew Thomas, Grace and Alex were great (buy them that beer). Commentary was like our own private comedy show. Brilliant! Even though the boat moves slowly, rug up if you plan to go upstairs.

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Cammie Edgar from United States wrote on 09 March 2026

Wonderful dolphin adventure

We had a perfect day for sailing and enjoyed cruising out to the dolphins. We probably could have spent less time with the seals, since there were hardly any around, but the time with the dolphins was magical. Great, friendly crew.

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Rebecca Johnston from New Zealand wrote on 08 March 2026

Akaroa Harbour

Loved it, besutiful day for a ride to see the dolphins. Couldn't ask for a nicer day. Staff on board were amazing. This was my second tour wuth you , loved the first one. Lived this one, will be back again. Thankyou for a wonderful trip round Akaroa Harbour

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Moira McEvoy from Australia wrote on 05 March 2026

A day with the dolphins

Great check in process friendly staff, great viewing of the dolphins and seals.

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Bookme Help Terms & Conditions Operators

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

Adult 16+ years

Child 5-15 years

Infant 0 - 4 years

^*This option must be made together with another price type.

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The Qualmark Bronze award recognizes a business that operates with a high level of professionalism, is mindful of its environmental impact, and is dedicated to putting customers first.