Akaroa Harbour & Lyttelton Cruises, Swim with Dolphins, Diamond Harbour Ferries, Canterbury Island Adventures.
Akaroa Boat Tours
Akaroa Nature Cruise
Our Akaroa Nature Cruise is 2-hour harbour adventure for the whole family within an ancient volcanic crater, packed with stunning scenery and wildlife. You’ll spot the rare Hector’s dolphins (the world’s smallest and cutest!), penguins, sea birds, and dramatic volcanic sea cliffs. Plus, you’ll hear some fascinating stories about Akaroa’s history along the way. It’s a must-do summer experience!
Highlights:
- Full guided commentary on your 2-hour tour
- View the Hector’s dolphin – smallest and rarest in the world
- Take in the stunning scenery of Akaroa Harbour
- View NZ Fur seals lounging on volcanic rocks and playing in pools
- Complimentary tea, coffee or hot chocolate
- Spacious 60ft/20m modern catamaran – largest and most stable in Akaroa
Akaroa Dolphin Swimming
Make sure you add this to your bucket list. Our 3.5-hour Swimming with Dolphins experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim in the wild with the endangered Hector’s Dolphin, the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin. An intimate wildlife experience with max of only 12 swimmers, you’ll be guided by our experienced local crew including a nature guide and supported by world-class facilities in picturesque Akaroa.
Highlights:
- Price drop! Now only $199.00 for adults | $169 for child (8-15 years)
- 3.5-hour tour (2.5 hours on the water)
- Swim with the Hector’s dolphin – smallest and rarest in the world
- Includes 5mm thick wetsuit, swim mask, hot showers and hot chocolate
- Purpose-built swim boats with a max of only 12 swimmers
- Full nature guide commentary
NOTE – this tour is seasonal. Please check our website for departure dates.
You need to be confident in the water and capable of swimming at least 50 metres. If you cannot swim you can still join us on the boat as a watcher.
Boat Charters
Black Cat’s Charter Cruises offers the ideal floating venue for your special events!
Transform your occasion into a unique experience – be it a private birthday celebration, social club gathering, corporate entertainment, conference delegate engagement, or even a momentous occasion like a wedding.
Relish the highlights of our Lyttelton or Akaroa cruises aboard our spacious catamarans. Enhance your journey with the addition of a fully catered buffet meal. Picture a sumptuous two-course spit roast as part of your memorable time on the water.
Although we offer multiple slots and timings, nothing compares to a bespoke private charter cruise. Imagine the beauty of a sunset painting the water, while your guests unwind to your selected tunes, enjoying a full bar and delectable locally sourced catering.
Quail Island Ferry
Christchurch’s very own island escape is waiting for you. Spend a fascinating full or half-day exploring Quail Island by taking our Quail Island ferry. Take your lunch and swimming togs with you for a great family day out. Please note we have a new booking system which requires you to select both a departure and return ticket.
Legend has it that Diamond Harbour was so named because one of the early settlers observed the sun reflecting on the water and thought it looked like a thousand shining diamonds.
Whatever the reason, Diamond Harbour remains one of the sunniest and unspoilt destinations on Banks Peninsula and is great for a day trip. How about an energetic walk to Mt Herbert or a more relaxing stroll around the cliff tops and beaches, or simply a visit to one of the cafe’s for delicious food or a coffee?
To get there we recommend you take the Diamond Harbour Ferry. The ferry has been operating on Lyttelton Harbour since 1888, connecting Diamond Harbour with Lyttelton. It’s just a short 5-minute walk from the ferry jetty to the small township and ferries depart at least every hour throughout the day.
Black Cat’s ferry the Black Diamond was launched in May 2001 and was purpose built to operate as the new Diamond Harbour Ferry, replacing the historic Onawe. The introduction of the new vessel has meant the journey time is reduced to around 8 minutes with greater frequency throughout the day. In combination with buses from Lyttelton to downtown Christchurch, this allows residents of Diamond Bay to commute to the city.
Discover our fantastic deals, promotions and special events on this brilliant page. We host awesome events in Akaroa and Lyttelton throughout the year along with a mix of ongoing deals and one-off specials. Don’t miss out…
