Dolphin & Nature Cruise in Akaroa

If you enjoy spending time by the sea and watching dolphins, then Akora's nature cruise is where you should spend your next holiday. Akaroa's cruise is packed with several exciting highlights, such as the rare Hector's Dolphin, penguins, and several sea creatures. In addition, you'll see enormous sea cliffs formed by volcanic eruptions. Our ship is the biggest and most luxurious in the harbor. There is a lot of space on the two decks and a tonne of covered seats to provide shelter and shade. So relax, enjoy and explore the harbor with our Black Cat Cruise staff. The skipper provides insights into the harbor's nature, fauna, and history.

On your tour, you will also come across the famous white-flippered blue penguin, the world's tiniest penguin. The harbor is home to various bird species, including five cormorant species and the yellow-eyed penguin. You can easily spot fur seals lazing on the rocks in Seal Bay. Our 2-hour tours aim to assist you in discovering the abundant marine life, sea caves, and volcanic rocks. Since Akaroa Harbour was an active volcano a thousand years ago, there are countless beautiful ancient lava flows to see. There's also the breathtaking Scenery Nook and a volcanic amphitheater to enhance your cruising experience.

Dolphin & Nature Cruise in Akaroa

The Dolphin & Nature Cruise in Akaroa is a must-do sightseeing experience that includes an unforgettable encounter with Hector's dolphins, coastal birds, and fur seals. This guided tour departs from Akaroa Harbour every day at 10:00 AM and lasts approximately three hours, offering visitors the chance to explore one of New Zealand’s most picturesque harbors while cruising on the largest and safest catamaran in the area. The tour covers a distance of around 25 kilometers, providing ample opportunities for wildlife sightings and breathtaking views of Akaroa's rugged coastline. With bilingual audio guides available in English and French, this excursion is perfect for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in both the natural wonders and cultural heritage of New Zealand. Key highlights include the opportunity to spot Hector’s dolphins (the world's smallest dolphin species), which are endemic to New Zealand, as well as a variety of seabirds such as shags and gannets. The tour also guarantees a second cruise free of charge if no dolphins are spotted on your first attempt, ensuring that every visitor has the chance to experience this unique wildlife encounter. With its focus on sustainability and environmental conservation, this cruise is not only an educational adventure but also a contribution to preserving New Zealand's marine biodiversity. Don't forget to bring your camera as there will be numerous photo-worthy moments throughout the journey.

Spotting Hector’s Dolphins

Your tour stops at Akaroa Harbour where you can spot Hector’s dolphins, which are only found in this part of New Zealand and are one of the smallest dolphin species globally. These dolphins were first identified scientifically in 1872 by British zoologist George Robert Gray. The harbor itself is approximately 3 square kilometers in size, offering a diverse marine ecosystem that supports various other sea creatures besides the Hector’s dolphins. Visitors can expect to spend about an hour on this part of the cruise, during which they will have ample opportunities to observe these playful and intelligent animals up close. What makes Akaroa Harbour unique is its rich history as a French settlement since 1840, making it one of New Zealand's earliest European settlements. The harbor’s sheltered waters and abundant marine life make it an ideal location for wildlife enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Observing Coastal Birds

Your tour stops at Akaroa Harbour where you can observe a variety of coastal birds, such as shags and gannets, which are common in the area. The harbor is home to over 20 species of seabirds that frequent its shores and waters throughout the year. This part of the cruise lasts approximately one hour, providing visitors with ample time to appreciate these magnificent creatures from a safe distance while maintaining their natural habitat. Akaroa Harbour’s diverse ecosystem supports not only marine life but also numerous bird species, making it an important site for ornithologists and nature lovers alike. The harbor's rich history as a French settlement dating back to 1840 adds another layer of cultural significance to the area.

Interacting with Fur Seals

Your tour stops at Akaroa Harbour where you can interact with fur seals, which are commonly found basking on the rocky shores. The harbor is one of the few places in New Zealand where visitors have a high chance of seeing these marine mammals up close without disturbing their natural behavior. Fur seals were first commercially hunted by European settlers starting from the early 19th century, leading to significant population declines that took decades to recover. Today, the area around Akaroa Harbour is a protected site for fur seal conservation, ensuring their numbers continue to grow and thrive. Visitors can expect to spend about half an hour observing these seals, which are known for their playful nature and distinctive barking sounds.

Tour Highlights

• Spotting Hector’s dolphins at Akaroa Harbour
• Cruising 25 kilometers along the coast with wildlife sightings
• Bilingual audio guides in English and French available
• Observing coastal birds such as shags and gannets during the cruise
• Interacting with fur seals on rocky shores near the harbor
• Exploring Akaroa’s rich cultural heritage since 1840
• Free second cruise guaranteed if no dolphins are spotted first time
• Maintaining environmental conservation efforts throughout the tour

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers, this guided tour provides an immersive experience through encounters with unique marine life. The three-hour format allows you to spot Hector’s dolphins at Akaroa Harbour, observe coastal birds during the cruise, and interact with fur seals on rocky shores near the harbor, giving you a comprehensive understanding of New Zealand's rich biodiversity while enjoying scenic views.