Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - 2 Hours

• Full commentary from the skipper
• Full bar facilities on board
• Free postcard, tea, and coffee
• Information sheets available in German, Japanese, Chinese, Spanish, French and Korean
• Informative skippers

  WHERE WE VISIT & WHAT WE SEE

• Akaroa Harbour
• White-Flippered Blue Penguin
• Hector’s Dolphin
• New Zealand Fur Seals
• Nikau Palm Gully
• Scenery Nook

Are you ready for an adventure? Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, this award-winning cruise is packed with highlights. You'll see all sorts of incredible marine animals, like the rare Hector’s Dolphin, as well as penguins and sea birds. As you travel around Akaroa Harbour, you’ll also see giant volcanic sea cliffs and learn all about Akaroa’s fascinating past. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting, so start your trip today!

Itinerary:
Cruises depart at 11.00am and 1.30pm yearly, and at 3.40pm from December to March. Check in at Main Wharf, Akaroa 30 minutes prior to departure. 

Just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, the historic French village of Akaroa is just waiting to be explored. An epic cruise experience awaits you! Jump aboard and explore an extinct volcanic crater, soak up majestic scenery and spot some unique wildlife.

Your vessel for today is a modern catamaran, the 60 foot /20 metre Black Cat. It's the perfect viewing point from which to observe the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. With two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating - shade and shelter - you'll be comfortable in any weather. Inside there’s a bar and toilets.

As you travel, you'll see tons of incredible wildlife, like the rare, native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin. There's also the chance to spot the world's smallest penguin, the White-Flippered Little Blue Penguin and other sea birds. Five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin call the harbour home! You’ll also be able to see New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay. Wow!
As well as seeing these animals in their natural habitat, you'll have the chance to learn more about them, as each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper. With extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife, and history of the harbor, they'll be able to tell you all about everything you see.

Besides the fascinating wildlife, there's also tons of epic landscapes to take in as you cruise. Akaroa Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago, and there are many spectacular ancient lava flows that can be seen today. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face, and another, Nikau Palm Gully, offers a view of tropical palm trees. Oh, and don't forget to watch out for the impressive Cathedral Cave! There's also Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheatre that will take your breath away.

After cruising for 2 hours, it's time to return back to the harbour.