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Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - Black Cat Cruises

4.8
1336
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 23 Jan to 5 Feb 2026

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates
Fri 23 Jan
Sat 24 Jan
Sun 25 Jan
Mon 26 Jan
Tue 27 Jan
Wed 28 Jan
Thu 29 Jan
Fri 30 Jan
Sat 31 Jan
Sun 1 Feb
Mon 2 Feb
Tue 3 Feb
Wed 4 Feb
Thu 5 Feb

Bookings close in 2 hours...

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

  • 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$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$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

Bookings close in 5 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
  • 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

Bookings close in 7 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

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

1336 reviews

Showing all 1336 authenticated Bookme reviews

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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Hufsa Junaid from New Zealand wrote on 21 January 2026

Awesome trip

Excellent service- the staff went above and beyond to make our experience memorable.

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mannay2 from New Zealand wrote on 21 January 2026

Amazing experience

We thoroughly enjoyed this close encounter with hector dolphins and our skipper’s knowledgeable commentary accompanied by his great sense of humor. Thank you!

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dragon1969 from New Zealand wrote on 10 January 2026

A must do ❤️

Awesome experience. Captain of the boat was knowledgeable in the area and the wild life. He also was funny when giving the safety briefing but got the message across. He did he utmost to find dolphins for us even though the winds picked up and things got rough in the Harbour. In the end heading back with 10 minutes to go we did spot 2 dolphins 🐬 👏 👌. Staff on board were great as well. Recommended to anyone spending time in Akaroa.

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emilyt10 from New Zealand wrote on 07 January 2026

Amazing

My husband and I and our 2 daughters went on the cruise. We all loved it, we seen dolphins, seals and even a penguin. The staff are very friendly. We will definitely do the cruise again. We would recommend everyone to do the cruise.

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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.

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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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