Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the worldโ€™s smallest and rarest.

Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the worldโ€™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 worldโ€™s smallest and rarest marine dolphin โ€“ the endangered Hectorโ€™s dolphin. Cruise past Akaroaโ€™s dramatic volcanic sea cliffs, fur seal colonies, and marine birdlife, all while gaining insight into the areaโ€™s rich natural and cultural history.

Black Cat Cruises are leaders in eco-tourism. During your cruise with us, youโ€™ll discover the fascinating behaviors of Akaroaโ€™s wildlife, learn about conservation efforts aimed at repopulating Hectorโ€™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 from17 Dec to 30 Dec 2025

All prices are shown inNZD ($)

Change Dates
Wed 17 Dec
Thu 18 Dec
Fri 19 Dec
Sat 20 Dec
Sun 21 Dec
Mon 22 Dec
Tue 23 Dec
Wed 24 Dec
Thu 25 Dec
Fri 26 Dec
Sat 27 Dec
Sun 28 Dec
Mon 29 Dec
Tue 30 Dec

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$42.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$42.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$42.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$42.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

  • Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$42.00
  • Infant Free of Charge

Bookings close in 2 hours...

  • 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

  • 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
Nana and granddaughter Great trip! Great trip! Great for family Remarkable
1 / 677
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Authenticated Reviews

Real highlights, tips, and the helpful advice straight from Bookme customers whoโ€™ve actually done this experience.

4.8

1330 reviews

Showing all 1330 authenticated Bookme reviews

J from New Zealand wrote on 16 December 2025

Lots of dolpins

We enjoyed our cruise - friendly staff, good spaces to watch or get out of the weather, and lots of dolphins and beautiful scenery. The 2 hour harbour cruise felt like a good length.

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canyingl from New Zealand wrote on 12 December 2025

Unforgettable memories for my family

Two years ago, my brother and I took a cruise here and had such a wonderful time that we knew we had to return when my parents visited. We chose the same cruise, confident it would deliver another great experienceโ€”and it exceeded all expectations. This time, we boarded at 3:30 in the late afternoon on a stunning day. Almost immediately, the trip felt magical as we were greeted by several playful dolphins in many places and even a seal swimming alongside the boat. As before, the crew was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, sharing engaging tours filled with local history and entertaining stories. But what truly set this trip apart was the extraordinary care shown by the staff. After we had departed, my mumโ€™s sun hat blew off and disappeared into the ocean. To our complete surprise, the captain and team turned the boat around to retrieve it from the water! She was absolutely delighted. That hat is now destined for a place on the wallโ€”a perfect reminder of a unique experience and the exceptional service that made it unforgettable. We couldnโ€™t recommend this cruise more highly.

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Camila Palma from New Zealand wrote on 26 November 2025

Akaroa harbour cruise

Beautiful experience ๐Ÿ˜ we saw a plenty of dolphins ๐Ÿ’™ high recommended!

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Aisha Khan from New Zealand wrote on 25 November 2025

Did not see any dolphin

Unfortunately we did not see any dolphins on our cruise time. The sea was rough as well. Got to see seals and good views. Not worth the money spent, 4 of us went.

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Hine Miller from New Zealand wrote on 12 November 2025

dont reccomend

not worth it at all

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Booking

10:00 a.m.Thursday 13 July

12

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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