Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the Hector's dolphin, the world’s smallest and rarest.
Experience a dolphin cruise in Akaroa and encounter the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin – the endangered Hector’s dolphin. Cruise past Akaroa’s dramatic volcanic sea cliffs, fur seal colonies, and marine birdlife, all while gaining insight into the area’s rich natural and cultural history.
Black Cat Cruises are leaders in eco-tourism. During your cruise with us, you’ll discover the fascinating behaviors of Akaroa’s wildlife, learn about conservation efforts aimed at repopulating Hector’s dolphins, and explore how we can all contribute to their thriving future for generations to come.
Dolphins are sighted on 95% of our trips, if you do not see dolphins, we will give you a voucher to go again another day. Voted one of the top 101 things to do in New Zealand by local New Zealanders!
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
What a wonderful experience. We were fortunate to have a lovely calm Harbour on departure with sunny skies. Skipper Thomas was great offering excellent tour narrative with a touch of good old Kiwi humor. Grace told us all about the Hector pods that call t H is home and explained about the plankton rich environment that gives the water its unique aliuvial blue colour. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip even though the dolphins didnt show.. we saw a number of sun bathing seals and lots of Cormorants diving for fish. We will be back to take advantage of the complimentary ticket to try to see the dolphins again. Thanks to the lovely staff... Thomas, Grace and Helen for a special experience 😄
Good way to spend an afternoon. Helpful and courteous staff. Saw dolphins and seals.
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mazz from Australia wrote on 31 October 2025
Awesome trip
Weather wasnt in our favour on our cruise day as it was quite windy and tad wet and sadly no dolphin wanted to play about with us - few penguins bobbing around and some seals lazing about - but it was a nice outing none the less. Beautiful part of the world !