Akaroa & The Bays

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: $110/$120
• Child: $65
• 4 or more: $105

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.

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. 

For ALL Black Cat Specials, click here.

Step into a world of wonder and adventure with Akaroa Dolphins the 100% locally-owned and operated family business. Embark on a luxurious 2-hour cruise around Akaroa Harbour and be swept away by the beauty of New Zealand's natural scenery. Meet the world's smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins, the Hector's dolphins, and watch in awe as they swim alongside the boat. Located in a prime habitat, our tours offer a high success rate for sightings of Hector's dolphins, White-flippered penguins, and New Zealand fur seals. With our commitment to conservation, we do not swim with the dolphins. From our friendly check-in team to our expert skippers and knowledgeable onboard guides,you will feel welcomed and comfortable every step of the way. And let's not forget our amazing dolphin-spotting dogs, equipped with life vests and a keen ear, who will make your encounter even more memorable.

Visit https://www.akaroadolphins.co.nz/book-now/, call +64 3 304 7866 or email us at cruise@akaroadolphins.co.nz to secure your spot.

Hours

Our ticketing office is open daily to help you plan your adventure. During the summer, we're here to assist you from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, and during the winter, our hours are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. If you need help outside of these hours, our friendly team will still be answering phone calls to assist you.

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.

Join us for a tour and explore the spectacular volcanic coastline and abundant wildlife of Akaroa Harbour. Our wildlife tour numbers are kept limited offering you a small and intimate tour taking you where others can't, with amazing views of New Zealand's wildlife. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew love meeting and talking to our guests.

Wairiri (meaning: Angry Waters) is a characterful and comfortable boat - she is a 41 foot Kauri Launch built in 1964. 

Daily tours from 1pm to 3.30pm (boarding at 1245) - you will find us at the end of the Main Wharf in Akaroa (walk past all the blue buildings).

For bookings  call  Tony on 021 228 8091 or Mafi on 027 411 0369

Prices: Adults $92 pp, Children (3 to 15 years) $35, free for up to 3 year old.

Family deals: 2 adults and 1 child $190, 2 adults and 2 children $210

Social and Fishing Charters are also available. Call or email us and we can tailor a trip for you.

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

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