Akaroa Shore Excursion: Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

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Highlights

  • Likely to see Hector’s dolphins—bring your camera

  • Tea and coffee served on board to keep you warm

  • Pickup and drop-off available from designated meeting points

Summary

After your cruise ship docks the Akaroa terminal, catch the tender to the main wharf, making sure to arrive a minimum of 30 minutes before your 2-hour nature cruise departs for Akaroa Harbour. Find yourself a perfect spot on the 60-foot (18-meter) luxury catamaran, which offers a choice of two observation decks that provide plenty of unobstructed views of Akaroa’s wildlife. Sip complimentary coffee and tea while the skipper shares information about the harbor’s natural history and geographical features — such as Cathedral Cave and the volcanic amphitheater of Scenery Nook — and brings your attention to any marine life. Motor past Akaroa Lighthouse and keep an eye out for petite Hector’s dolphins, whose calves often swim alongside the boat between October and March. You may also encounter white-flippered penguins — the world’s smallest penguin — or the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. Snap photos of New Zealand fur seals basking on the rocks at Seal Bay, and make a stop at a salmon farm in Lucas Bay to learn how Akaroa salmon are raised, before your boat returns to the dock. This excursion is located within a 5-minute walk to the cruise port, so you determine the time you return to your ship in Akaroa. Please allow yourself ample time to enjoy the excursion and ensure your timely return to the port. This excursion is not covered by our worry-free policy.

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Don’t miss a chance to spot Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins. When your ship pulls into port, spend your valuable time on a nature cruise across Akaroa Harbour. The skipper provides on-board commentary while you search the waters for marine life and take in New Zealand’s South Island scenery.

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What’s included?

  • Full on-board commentary

  • Tea and coffee

  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points

  • Gratuities

  • Food and drinks, unless specified

  • Worry-free Shore Excursion Guarantee

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 2h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Operator Website

Operated by:

Black Cat Cruises

About operator:

We started our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises back in 1985 and are the original cruise operators so we know the harbour pretty well. Along the way we've been named as the supreme tourism award winner and also hold the Enviro gold award from Qualmark to recognise our dedication to the environment. Your nature cruise will be on the 'Black Cat', a large modern and stable vessel allowing great views of all the scenery and wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins. If by some chance you do not see dolphins then we will provide a ticket to come again another day. This happens on average 2% of the time across the whole year. We look forward to meeting you and giving you the best stories from the Akaroa Harbour.

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