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Akaroa - Harbour Nature Cruise - Black Cat Cruises

4.8

1303

Deals from $85.00 Save $34.00 Check datescalendar_month

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Discover playful, rare New Zealand Hector's dolphins, fur seals, penguins and many other kinds of sea birds, on Akaroa Harbour.

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

Discover the natural beauty and fascinating wildlife on Akaroa Harbour with an amazing 2-hour cruise aboard the Black Cat, a spacious, modern catamaran specifically built for sight-seeing.

Departing from Akaroa, you'll soak up sweeping scenic views over the Harbour from the purpose-built viewing decks while enjoying enthralling commentary from the skipper on-board.

While cruising, you'll discover and get up close to playful New Zealand Hector's dolphins, fur seals, penguins and a wide range of sea birds! Not only that, but we'll cruise past a host of local landmarks and points of interest including the stunning volcanic formation of Cathedral Cave, plus you'll see relics of Maori and colonial history, and see a modern working salmon farm.

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 $119.00 (16+ years)

Child $55.00 (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. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on board including wine & beer. Optional photo packs available to purchase.

Available Bookings from 26 Mar to 8 Apr 2025

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Change Dates

10:45AM

1:30PM

Wed 26 Mar

Thu 27 Mar

Fri 28 Mar

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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$85.00 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$85.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$85.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$45.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$85.00 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 2 hours...

Adult$109.00
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$99.00 Less than 6 at this price!
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

Adult$109.00
Child$39.00
Infant Free of Charge

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

5 Stars

1099

4 Stars

160

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Stars

4.8

1303 reviews

Akaroa - Harbour Nature Cruise - Black Cat Cruises

Showing all 1303 authenticated Bookme reviews

Ted from New Zealand wrote on 22 March 2025

Great Day on the Water

We had an excellent day - flat waters, lots of hector dolphins, warm (we were there late February). Just beautiful. Would highly recommend.

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Jenny from New Zealand wrote on 03 March 2025

Black Cat Nature Cruise

This cruise is highly recommended. The captain gives a very informative commentary about nature and history in area. We saw 20 -30 dolphins plus a little penguin and lots of mother seals with pups. Thank you to the team for a fabulous journey.

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lyndal1 from United Kingdom wrote on 28 February 2025

Excellent experience

Such a wonderful cruise. Interesting commentary, very friendly and experienced crew. We saw over 30 dolphins and some fur seals, including pups who were playing in a rock pool. This is the second time we’ve been on this cruise and last time we saw loads more seals and some penguins (which are apparently rare so we were very lucky) but fewer dolphins; so you never know what you’re going to see. It does get cold even on a warm day so remember to take extra layers. I was cross with myself for not reading the confirmation email carefully, you need to check in at the Black Cat desk on arrival to get your tickets, the email is not you ticket. Perhaps Bookme should highlight this bit for people like me who are too excited to read everything carefully. 😅 Absolutely highly recommended and we look forward to going again next time we’re in New Zealand. Worth every penny!

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yiumanw from Hong Kong wrote on 25 February 2025

An Unforgettable Experience with Nature

The Akaroa Black Cat Cruise was an absolute highlight of our trip to New Zealand! From the moment we boarded the boat, the friendly and knowledgeable crew made us feel welcome and shared fascinating insights about the area’s history, wildlife, and geology. The scenic beauty of Akaroa Harbour was breathtaking, with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic volcanic landscapes. The highlight, of course, was spotting the playful Hector’s dolphins—the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world. Seeing them swim alongside the boat was a magical experience we’ll never forget. We also enjoyed the informative commentary about the local marine life and the chance to take stunning photos of the coastline. The cruise was well-organized, comfortable, and suitable for all ages. If you’re visiting Akaroa, don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect with nature and create lasting memories. Highly recommended!

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Hazel Parker from United Kingdom wrote on 21 February 2025

Dolphin boat trip

Brilliant trip

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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.

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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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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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.