Akaroa & The Bays

Black Cat Cruises Swimming With Dolphins experience is New Zealand’s original dolphin swimming encounter. There fantastic team are highly experienced and this eco-tour has been listed by Lonely Planet as one of the top ten marine mammal activities in the world, as well as being voted the number 1 bucket list activity in New Zealand by travellers.

Hector’s dolphins are only found here in New Zealand, and they are the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphin. We only allow a maximum of 12 swimmers per trip to ensure you have a personalised experience and up close encounter.

We see Hector’s dolphins on 98% of their trips. Due to the high success rate they offer a two tier ‘dolphin guarantee’ policy. As a leading eco-tourism operator we interact with these on their terms. We also advocate, educate, support and fund research into the Hector’s dolphins so by choosing to come out with us you are helping to support and protect these wonderful marine mammals.

Recognised as New Zealand’s first true eco-tourism operator, they are also the only operator in Akaroa who are awarded with the industry Qualmark Gold certificate. Please say this instead of the final sentence of being a finalist.  

Pre-booking is highly recommended. 

Special

$200 FAMILY PASS

Akaroa Dolphins $200 Family Pass

Our $200 Family Pass is valid for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 0-15 years), a saving of $84!

If you have a bigger family, please speak to one of our helpful team members so we can tailor a Family Pass for you.

To book this special deal, please call +64 3 304 7866 or email us at cruise@akaroadolphins.co.nz

Explore the towering volcanic cliffs, reefs and sea caves of Pohatu marine reserve en encounter its unique wildlife.

You will be taken on a wildlife adventure to find various seabirds, see curious New Zealand fur seals with pups playing in rock pools, Little penguins and possibly even spot the world's smallest dolphin gliding under your kayak.

There is much to see and explore under the guidance of our experienced knowledgeable guides.

Explore the outer coast of Pohatu Marine Reserve and marvel at its spectacular towering cliffs, rock stacks, reefs, and deep-sea caves.

Flea Bay Island and the impressive island arch make an added exciting attraction in settled sea conditions. Observe the diverse wildlife and marine species such as penguins, seals, various sea birds and possibly the world’s smallest dolphin!

Best of all, no experience necessary! Trips are only run in settled, safe conditions. Your safety is our top priority.

Pohatu Penguins is a family-run business with a long-standing history of protecting the Korora (Little Penguin) for 30+ years. So, when purchasing a tour, you have a positive input on our little Korora.

Small group tours run from Akaroa over one of the most scenic back country roads by 4WD van to Pohatu/ Flea Bay and Pohatu marine reserve, a beautiful sheltered bay out on the wild south eastern corner of Banks Peninsula and home to the largest Little Penguin Colony on mainland New Zealand with over 2000 penguins breeding there

Tour includes:

• Scenic drive by 4WD mini vans
• Photos stops along the way with commentary about the area
• Fully guided by experienced staff
• All gear (life jackets, dry jackets, spray deck, dry bags for cameras...)

 Prices

• Adult: $85 - $95
• Child (5 to 15): $65
• Group of 4 or more: $85

Departure time

8.00am and 12.00pm in summer and 11.15am from May to August

Length

3.5 to 4 hours with an average of an hour and half kayaking on the water.

Sail with dophins, see wildlife. Akaroa harbour up close on New Zealand's oldest ketch Fox II. Learn about local history & help crew if you want. With 2 wooden masts and 6 sails there is always a halyard to hoist or a sheet to be pulled. 3 hour tour with historic narration, complementary fresh brewed coffee, tea, homemade hot chocolate and biscuits. The only boat in Akaroa with dolphin guarantee! You will see dolphins, penguins and seals (sometimes albatross), visit Cathedral Cave, see a waterfall and giant cliffs.

SPECIALS for October

"to book", please call 021 228 8091 or email us"

* 6 or more adults 20% off regular price

     ----------------------------------------

* School Holiday Family Special* 

2 Adults and 2 Children only $170

Come see spectacular coastline and magnificent wildlife aboard our classic Kauri launch. 2.5 hour trips, personally guided by skipper/owner Tony Muir. "We will get you up close to Hectors dolphins, little blue penguins, NZ fur seals and amazing seabirds."

Boarding from far -end of Main Wharf, Akaroa at 10.15 and 1.45pm. Small groups on a spacious, dry and comfortable wooden launch. Private fishing & social charters are available. Summer cruises are $85 per adult. Children 3-15 years old $35.  under 3 year are free.

"Join us for the Best wildlife trip!"

Join us for a fun morning out on the water.  Our small boat is ideal for an intimate Hector's dolphin swimming or dolphin watching encounter! With only one trip per day we are not in a rush and will take plenty of time to ensure you get the best experience possible.

​We will also explore some of the volcanic coastline, including sea caves, and look out for seals, penguins and sea birds.  

Daily tours at 7.30am  (1^st October to early April)

Why come with us?

• For a start - our price! $150pp or, if staying at any of the Onuku Farm Hostel accommodation, $130pp. Dolphin watching $75.
• Small groups - with a maximum of 10 passengers you will have a more intimate dolphin experience.
• 'Orca', our boat, is the ideal vessel - even while on the boat you get closer to the dolphins than on any other boat on Akaroa Harbour.
• No, we don't have a heated cabin but you will be out there where the action is.
• Operated from the family farm by a 4th generation Kiwi –one of the original dolphin tours on Akaroa Harbour and we have plenty of experience.
• We meet and get ready at Onuku Farm and board the boat at the picturesque Onuku Marae - away from the hustle and bustle of Akaroa.
• Early trips before the crowds get out there.

 Do you have a group and prefer your own private tour? Get in touch with us!

 Bookings are essential and you can either email, ring us or send a text message.

On our boat, you are part of the environment not removed from it.

While dolphins surf under the boat you can feel the spray from their blowhole!

DOLPHIN SWIMMING  10:30AM

Come and join us on one of our small, personal tours and experience the magic of swimming with the Hectors Dolphin in Akaroa New Zealand. They are the smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins in the world. Akaroa is the only place in the world you can experience them personally in their natural habitat. We are a small local family business, 100% locally owned & operated. We run one swim tour per day exclusively limited to 12 guests, offering a longer dolphin swimming tour to maximize your experience and your value for money with a 90.5% success rate. Wetsuits, masks & snorkels are provided, hot chocolate & biscuits. Akaroa’s #1 Dolphin Swim on tripadvisor. YOU FIND US WE FIND THEM. Department of Conservation Approved.

SOUTHERN WANDERER SCENIC CRUISES

DAILY CRUISES - departing from Akaroa's main wharf at 9:30am and 12pm

PRIVATE CHARTERS - $320 (reduced from $400) for up to 6 passengers, departure time flexible.

Southern Wanderer Scenic Cruises is a family business offering 2-hour cruises from Akaroa exploring the amazing scenery and wildlife of Banks Peninsula. We cater for small numbers of up to 8 passengers, keeping the trips relaxed and allowing us to offer personal service with informative conversational commentary. Take incredible shots of seacliffs, wildlife and seabirds for your Instagram feed and indelible memories of this beautiful place that we call home.

We also run private charters with flexible departure times, trip durations and itineraries. If your preference is to explore at another time of day with your own group of family, friends or colleagues, we can tailor a tour specifically for you. Southern Wanderer is also available for general charters, including research, filming, corporate outings, marine service work etc.

See our Akaroa Coastal Retreat listing for accommodation/boating packages

Visit our Facebook page for more information and 'Like' it to receive updates and special offers.

Harbour Cruise 2:30pm

Do you have a sense for adventure?

Then join us on our Harbour Adventure Cruise - you will not be disappointed. The scenery and wildlife here are incredible. Steve the captain & owner is a 5th generation local who knows all the secrets and special places of Akaroa Harbour. We run one 2hr Harbour Cruise per day, exclusively limited to 12 guests. Our boat is a 12.5-meter Rayglass Protector (an ex America’s Cup Chase boat & Coastguard Marine Rescue Vessel) It’s an exciting, fun, safe sea-going boat. We are 100% locally owned & operated. Highly recommended on tripadvisor.

To add to the many attractions that the beautiful Akaroa harbour provides, we specialize in giving the more adventurous an unforgettable jet boating experience, a must for those seeking that something extra! Climb aboard our 20 seat, twin v8 600HP 'Phat time' jet boat. This 7.5 metre cobra jet boat is the latest design combining power and speed with built-in comfort and exceptional safety features. A high speed 360 degree spin will show you just what this jet boat is capable of.