Black Cat Dolphin Nature Cruise

Black Cat Dolphin Nature Cruise runs through Black Cat Cruises. Rated 4.6 across 276 reviews. Runs 2 hours. From NZ$116.

Overview

This two-hour cruise from Akaroa's Main Wharf takes you across a harbour formed inside an extinct volcanic crater, in search of the Hector's dolphin, a species found only in New Zealand and described by the operator as the world's smallest and rarest dolphin. New Zealand fur seals, little penguins, albatross and other seabirds are also regular sightings, though nothing is guaranteed on any given day.

The boat is a spacious catamaran with two open decks for panoramic views plus covered seating, a licensed bar serving refreshments and onboard toilets. A skipper and nature guide narrate throughout, covering Akaroa's Maori and European history, the volcano that shaped the harbour, and the wildlife you pass. Highlights along the route include sheer cliff faces around 500 feet tall, the colourful volcanic rock amphitheatre of Scenery Nook, and Nikau Palm Gully, home to the southernmost native nikau palms in the world.

Complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate are served, and every passenger gets a free postcard. The cruise suits families, couples and solo travellers, and works equally well for photographers or anyone wanting a relaxed, informative stretch on the water. Note that hotel pickup is not included, so you make your own way to Akaroa.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Make your way to AkaroaThe meeting point is the Main Wharf in Akaroa, roughly an 80 to 90-minute drive from Christchurch city or the international airport, over the Banks Peninsula hills. No hotel pickup is included.
2. Board the catamaranCheck in at the main wharf and board the vessel, which has ramps, two open viewing decks, covered seating, a licensed bar and toilets.
3. Cruise the volcanic harbourSail through a landscape of sea cliffs formed by ancient lava flows, with skipper and guide commentary on the harbour's volcanic origins and Maori and European history.
4. Wildlife watchingThe crew actively searches for Hector's dolphins, fur seals, penguins, albatross and other seabirds. Sightings are common but depend on the day.
5. Scenery Nook and Nikau Palm GullyPass the pink, purple and red volcanic rock of Scenery Nook and the gully holding the southernmost native nikau palms in the world, with cliff faces around 500 feet high along the way.
6. Return to Main WharfThe cruise ends back at the Main Wharf in Akaroa after two hours on the water.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most from this cruise, from what to wear to how to reach the wharf.

• Getting there. There is no hotel pickup, so you drive yourself to Akaroa or join a connection independently. The operator describes it as an easy drive through farmland and over the Banks Peninsula hills, taking around 80 to 90 minutes from Christchurch. Allow buffer time, as one reviewer missed the departure by a quarter hour.
• What to wear. The listing advises warm clothing even on warm days, because a cool sea breeze can blow on the water. Layers are the sensible choice for a boat trip of this length.
• Sun and photos. Bring a camera plus sunscreen and a hat even when it is cloudy, per the listing. The two open decks give unobstructed panoramic views for watching and photographing the scenery.
• Food and drink. Complimentary tea, coffee and hot chocolate are included, along with a free postcard. There is also a fully licensed bar on board if you want to buy refreshments.
• Wildlife odds. The crew puts real effort into finding dolphins, and many reviewers reported seeing Hector's dolphins, seals and even penguins. Even so, these are wild animals and sightings vary with the day.
• Families and access. The vessels are fitted with high rails and suit young children, who must be supervised at all times. Wheelchair passengers are welcome with able-bodied companions, using ramps to board, though the onboard toilets are not wheelchair friendly.

Common issues. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and some travellers feel the listing could set clearer expectations about the likelihood of sightings on quieter days. One reviewer had weather that was a bit poor on the day, though they still found the trip worthwhile. Transport to Akaroa is your own arrangement, roughly 80 to 90 minutes each way from Christchurch, which caught out one reviewer who arrived late and could not reschedule. Onboard toilets are not wheelchair friendly, an issue for wheelchair users despite ramp access.

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