Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Highlights & inclusions
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December 2024
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What you can expect
**Akaroa**, near **Christchurch** is an historic French village built on the shores of a pretty harbour that used to actually be a live volcano! This two-hour **scenic nature cruise** will take you around an extinct volcanic crater to see the stunning geological formations created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
While cruising the pristine waters of the Banks Peninsula you will see the rare, native New Zealand Hector’s Dolphin - the world’s smallest dolphin, along with penguins, sea birds and New Zealand fur seals - often seen sunning themselves on the rocks of Seal Bay. Your knowledgeable guide and skipper will give local insights into the diverse wildlife and fascinating history of the area. The cruise will also make a stop at the local salmon farm to see where the world-famous Akaroa Salmon is raised! This sightseeing cruise is packed with natural wonders and highlights such as meeting the local wildlife and cruising past the sheer volcanic sea cliffs, exploring nooks and caves - all from the comfort of a stable, and luxurious catamaran.
Location
What you need to know
- 2 hour cruise of Akaroa Harbour
- Fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour
- Full bar facilities on-board
- Postcard, tea & coffee included
- Hotel Transfers
- Photo pack (optional extra)
- For the cruise itinerary, click [here](https://cdn.experienceoz.com.au/assets/catalogueType/2/miscGraph/58166.pdf)
- Cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning
- Your cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin
- Glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world
- You'll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa's fascinating past. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting
- Fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour
- Departs daily at 1.30pm (All year)
- Check in 30 minutes prior to departure
- This cruise departs from Akaroa's Main Wharf. Akaroa is a beautiful historic French Village about 90 minutes drive from Christchurch
- We suggest you wear warm clothing. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. Bring your camera - there are incredible views.
- Children under the age of 5 years are free of charge
- Our catamarans are suitable for families and for young children. The vessels have high rails, however we suggest that children are supervised at all times both for their own safety and for the enjoyment of the other people on board.
- Information sheets are available in German, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, French and Korean
- The vessel holds up to a maximum of 99 passengers
- Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
- Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
- Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
- For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
- Cruise vessel subject to change without notice
- Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
- We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements
- Prices are seasonal and are constantly changing. The from price displayed may not always be the price you are going to pay, as once you click on your specified date, the price will change to reflect the price for that date/season. Please note that in some cases where you cannot click on a date to obtain the price, please call us so we can assist you
Recent reviews
Dannielle Burns
almost 8 years ago
This is a must do cruise
This is a must do cruise, I love seeing nature and we saw a lot of wild life. The weather wasn't the best but the company supplies you with jackets/blankets if you need one and coffee and tea to help warm up.
Susan mangion
almost 10 years ago
Akaroa is the most beautiful township situated on the banks of the harbour
Akaroa is the most beautiful township situated on the banks of the harbour. The people at black cat cruises were very friendly and helpful and caring and attentive when a member of our party felt unwell. We saw sea birds, fur seals and best of all the little Hector Dolphins. We had an awesome time and would highly recommend it to everyone.