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Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the worldโs smallest and rarest.
Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the worldโs 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 worldโs smallest and rarest marine dolphin โ the endangered Hectorโs dolphin. Cruise past Akaroaโs dramatic volcanic sea cliffs, fur seal colonies, and marine birdlife, all while gaining insight into the areaโs rich natural and cultural history.
Black Cat Cruises are leaders in eco-tourism. During your cruise with us, youโll discover the fascinating behaviors of Akaroaโs wildlife, learn about conservation efforts aimed at repopulating Hectorโs 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!
All prices are shown inNZD ($)
- 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$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$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$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$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$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$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
- 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
Authenticated Reviews
Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers whoโve 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.
Showing all 1342 authenticated Bookme reviews
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
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.
lindao2 from New Zealand wrote on 05 March 2026
Amazing rare dolphin watch
This is our second time on this cruise and we were still as excited as we did many years ago. Our first trip out wasn't as successful despite the captain effort to search high and low to see the dolphin. We still enjoyed the whole experience, but then even better because we get a voucher to redo the cruise which we did the next day and we saw lots of this 'mickey mouse' dolphin as the were nicknamed. Thanks so much
Mary from New Zealand wrote on 05 February 2026
What a beautiful country we live in๐โค๏ธ
Great crew . Excellent commentary we learnt somethings ๐ Beautiful day with heaps of the wild life showing themselves. Thank you ๐ ๐
Copyright ยฉ2026 Bookme Limited.
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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.