Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise: Scenic Adventure with Dolphins, Penguins, and Birds

Embark on a scenic adventure in Akaroa Harbour and encounter majestic dolphins, playful penguins, and a variety of fascinating bird species on this nature cruise.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Main Wharf - Experience the thrill of observing rare Hector’s dolphins in their natural habitat, along with New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, albatross, and other native seabirds on this acclaimed cruise. Step aboard a spacious, modern catamaran featuring two open viewing decks, indoor seating, and onboard amenities. Journey through…
What's Included
  • 2-hour nature cruise
  • Wildlife viewing
  • Full on-board commentary
  • Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
  • Postcard
  • GST (Goods and Services Tax)
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop off
Additional Information

Embark on a breathtaking cruise through Akaroa Harbour and discover some of New Zealand’s most extraordinary marine life, such as the rare Hector’s dolphin, NZ fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Aboard a spacious, modern catamaran featuring expansive viewing decks and indoor seating, this award-winning nature cruise provides comfort, stunning views, and…

Location
Akaroa
Please check in to the Black Cat office, on the Main Wharf, in Akaroa (big blue building!), at least 30 minutes prior to departure.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(305 Ratings)
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1 star
Ffcharliesm
Sep 29, 2025
The cruise to do - Excellent cruise. Knowledgeable staff. Went with and 8 month old that was so excited he wore himself out in 10min and slept the whole trip. A 10 year old and my hubby who loved exploring on different areas of the boat. Saw some albatross, a colony of baby seals. Unfortunately no dolphins which is rear. With ease they immediately gave us more tickets which we will use on our next trip to NZ. Still such a lovely cruise we didn't mind. The hot chocolate on the boat kept the 10 year old happy too. The only thing I struggled with was hearing the staff commentary but the bits I did get were very educational or made me chuckle. Staff at the ticket shop were a bundle of joy !!!! I've never seen service like it. Well done team black cat!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grandtour09665703591
Sep 24, 2025
The awe of nature from the best sea view - We had a lovely cruise on Akaroa Harbour with Black Cat. The staff were helpful, friendly & gave us lots of information about the natural environment & history. We were lucky enough to have a brilliant encounter with a pod of Bottlenose dolphins who gave us a beautiful show of play right next to the boat. We also saw some fur seals & experienced the awe of ancient volcanic caverns. The scenery is phenomenal & there’s no better way to experience it than from the sea. Highly recommend this Black Cat cruise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Discover00285956168
Sep 9, 2025
Had an amazing time - Alex was amazing - Alex is the best tour guide ever. He is DA coolest and most helpful tour guide ever 🔥🔥🔥🔥 Would recommend a million times over. I had the best time ever.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
S5644gwkylek
Aug 29, 2025
Great family friendly wildlife cruise - Amazing cruise, very knowledgeable, professional and accommodating staff. During the cruise we saw dolphins, sea lions/fur seals, penguins and a variety of other birds, and the scenery was amazing. Especially with the captain explaining all the geography as we went.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X9999jzheatherj
Aug 26, 2025
Getting up close with the dolphins - The cruise took us just outside the harbour heads, where we saw dolphins and on the way back, some sea lions basking on the rocks. The scenery was fantastic and the captain and crew were very friendly and knowledgeable. A great few hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dianna_m
Jul 28, 2025
Akora boat trip - It was easy to book. Staff were fun friendly inviting. Free cuppa on board. A bit chilly but many blankets about boat to use. We saw dolphins seals penguins. Beautiful calm day,
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_p
Jul 7, 2025
Slice of Heaven - Fresh sea air, pristine water, wildlife in their natural habitat and a crew that has just the right mix of information and humour - this is a must do when visiting Aotearoa, New Zealand! We learned some history, heard beautiful Te Reo Māori and saw Hector dolphins, seals, sea birds and scenes that looked like they were from the movies. It was an incredible journey!
Review provided by Viator
Lori_v
Jun 15, 2025
Great time! - The trip was amazing and lots of wildlife to be seen. The meeting point was easily found and the excursion allowed plenty of time to explore the town when it was finished. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
X2016tqsandram
May 8, 2025
Do this trip - Greeted on too the boat by the crew and had an informative couple of hours cruising saw lots of wildlife and learned alot about the surrounding area , weather was okay and saw Dusky Dolphins in 3 trips on this pur 4th I finally saw these lovely creatures..had a really good time and the crew were so friendly we really enjoyed it ...
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rwinters444
Apr 15, 2025
Dolphins guaranteed - An awesome trip. Very professional and friendly staff. Great commentary on the Banks Peninsula environs. They guaranteed that we would see dolphins and we did. Pleased we booked with a larger boat company due to the nature of the swell. Totally recommend this trip to others.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $73
up to 9 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).