Akaroa – Harbour Nature Cruise

Tour Overview

A two hour nature cruise highlighting both magnificent scenery, volcanic cliffs, sea caves and the wildlife that is abundant in and on the waters of Akaroa Harbour, including New Zealand’s rarest dolphin the Hector Dolphin.

Your Akaroa Nature Cruise is packed with many highlights including sightings of the rare NZ native dolphin – Hector’s Dolphin, as well as penguins, sea birds and seals. In addition you will see giant volcanic sea cliffs, sea caves and learn about Akaroa’s fascinating past while travelling around an extinct volcanic crater experiencing majestic scenery and stunning wildlife. The cruises depart everyday at 10.45 am or 1.30 pm from the wharf adjacent to where your cruise ship tender will berth and depart from.

The cruise duration is 2 hours

Your modern catamaran, the 60 foot /20 metre Black Cat, is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. There’s lots of room on the two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating for shade and shelter. Inside there’s a bar and toilets. Relax, stretch out and discover the harbour each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.

You will catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. There are many different bird species in the harbour, including five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered, yellow-eyed penguin. You’ll also see New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay.

On each two-hour cruise we will endeavour to show you wildlife plus the many sea caves and volcanic cliffs of Akaroa Harbour. As Akaroa was a live volcano millions of years ago, there are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and a fascinating history, while Nikau Palm Gully is the southernmost limit for tropical palm trees. There is also the incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheater that will take your breath away.