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Akaroa - Harbour Nature Cruise - Black Cat Cruises

4.8
1311
Deals from $85.00 Save $34.00 Check dates nowsystem_update_alt
Discover playful, rare New Zealand Hector's dolphins, fur seals, penguins and many other kinds of sea birds, on Akaroa Harbour.

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 28 Jun to 11 Jul 2025

Change Dates

All prices are shown in NZD ($)

Sat 28 Jun
Sun 29 Jun
Mon 30 Jun
Tue 1 Jul
Wed 2 Jul
Thu 3 Jul
Fri 4 Jul
Sat 5 Jul
Sun 6 Jul
Mon 7 Jul
Tue 8 Jul
Wed 9 Jul
Thu 10 Jul
Fri 11 Jul

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

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

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

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

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

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

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

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

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

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

  • Adult$95.00 Less than 6 at this price!
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$85.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

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

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

  • Adult$109.00
  • Child$45.00
  • Infant Free

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

1311 reviews

Showing all 1311 authenticated Bookme reviews

Wayne Maybee from New Zealand wrote on 16 June 2025

Dolphin cruzie

A great day out with friendly and knowledgeable people, I would recommend to anyone.

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Peta from New Zealand wrote on 09 June 2025

Good communication unfortunately trip canceled

Trip canceled due to bad weather. We appreciated the prompt communication (day before). Just awaiting a refund.

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From Akaroa - Harbour Nature Cruise - Black Cat Cruises

Hi Peta, Thank you for your message and please know I expect Bookme to have your refund finalised today. We have notified them that your tour was cancelled due to weather. Sorry we have been so badly impacted and hope you can join us another time. Keep warm!

nickyc1 from New Zealand wrote on 26 May 2025

Spectacular

So spoilt in our own backyard! Had the most incredible few hours in one of the most beautiful locations in NZ. Our skipper was so knowledgeable with the friendliest personality. He kept us well informed throughout the cruise without encroaching on the serene nature of the journey. Don’t take long to spot the infamous Hectors dolphins who played around the boat for much longer than anticipated. Then off to see some seals & little blue penguins on our way back. Felt so lucky to have experienced the ‘small 3’! Highly recommend this cruise

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Robyn from Canada wrote on 19 May 2025

Always a Pleasure

Each time I've been to NZ, I've taken this tour with whatever guests I have with me and it never disappoints. We saw multiple pods of Hector's dolphins, fur seals and albatross. The crew were polite and informative. Experience was great!

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Amit Choudhary from New Zealand wrote on 07 May 2025

Beautiful experience

This was my first visit with family.Had a beautiful family trip to Akaroa! The Black Cat Cruises team was incredibly helpful, and we were lucky to spot some dolphins. My son was absolutely thrilled!

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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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