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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - Black Cat Cruises

4.8
1326
Deals from $95.00 Save $30.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest.

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 from 28 Nov to 11 Dec 2025

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Fri 28 Nov
Sat 29 Nov
Sun 30 Nov
Mon 1 Dec
Tue 2 Dec
Wed 3 Dec
Thu 4 Dec
Fri 5 Dec
Sat 6 Dec
Sun 7 Dec
Mon 8 Dec
Tue 9 Dec
Wed 10 Dec
Thu 11 Dec

  • 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$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 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 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

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

Authenticated Reviews & PhotosAll of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme

4.8

1326 reviews

Showing all 1326 authenticated Bookme reviews

yifann from New Zealand wrote on 10 November 2025

Absolutely worth the money

Very friendly stuff and very well organized guided cruise. We were very lucky to see dolphins playing, fur seal (even saw one diving!), an albatross and a penguin swimming in the sea, some cute jelly fish as well. It is also good to know that part of the charge is going to research body etc for future protection on the dolphins, which wasn’t stated on the website but if I were able to know this there would have been no hesitation on booking it. We had a great time with black cat cruise. 5 star highly recommended

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jans16 from Taiwan wrote on 04 November 2025

Stunning trip

Seeing many dolphins and 2 blue little penguins! This is a very worthwhile trip.

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mazz from Australia wrote on 31 October 2025

Awesome trip

Weather wasnt in our favour on our cruise day as it was quite windy and tad wet and sadly no dolphin wanted to play about with us - few penguins bobbing around and some seals lazing about - but it was a nice outing none the less. Beautiful part of the world !

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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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suzanned6 from New Zealand wrote on 31 October 2025

Amazing Cruise

We had a fantastic time on our cruise; it was a beautiful day with calm waters and we were fortunate to encounter some curious dolphins who circled the boat many times. Would definitely recommend to others!

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Qualmark Certification

This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.

This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.

This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.

When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.

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