Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
Description
At the core, we’re a family business with our management team being 6th & 7th generation Banks Peninsula locals. Alongside our family members, we have a passionate team who are committed to you having a once-in-a-lifetime experience! We keep our passenger groups small so that you have more room to move around the boat, and enjoy your cruise without overcrowding or missing dolphin sightings due to a shortage of viewing space. Our boat has a low-lying profile which means you get closer to the wildlife! When you board our boat you’ll be offered a complimentary drink. Choose from beer, award-winning local wine or non-alcoholic options. You’ll also enjoy our famous home-baked treats made from our family recipe and served to you by our delightful onboard crew. We are committed to the conservation of our harbour's environment and wildlife. After all, it’s the centre point of our business. *Check-in is 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We do not swim with the dolphins
Reviews(2,249)
This was a truly incredible experience and it was an honour to witness these wonderful dolphins in their natural habitat. The crew were excellent (including Albie!) and the commentary was interesting – it’s clear that the company respects and protects the dolphins, other wildlife and the natural environment. The complimentary glass of wine and delicious cookie onboard was the icing on the cake! One of the highlights of our trip to New Zealand – thank you! :)
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that your experience was one of the highlights of your trip to New Zealand! :) We hope to welcome you back on board for another unforgettable adventure in the future!
This tour was special. Saw the tiny hector dolphins, white fin penguins, an albatross, a whale and all sorts of other seabirds whose name I can’t recall. The scenery is stunning, with a decent amount of history told on the tour. It was not overcrowded, nice and intimate. The skipper and the attendant were both exceptional and attentive. And they have a gorgeous boat dog that’s onboard for the ride which adds a little something extra. Modern boat, great value for money, would recommend.
Incredible experience, seen many dolphins and seals
We were very lucky to have such a beautiful clear sunny day. Not only did we see dolphins and other animals, we saw the dolphins jumping out of the water which we were told is rare. It was a very special experience made wonderful with knowledgeable and friendly hosts on a small boat.
Thank you for your wonderful review!
Had a fabulous day out with the family. Loved the little touches - drink, cookie and Albi the dolphin dog. So lucky with the weather.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're so glad you and your family had a wonderful time with us. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Excellent experience. Lucky enough to spot Hectors dolphins.
Thank you so much for such a lovely review! We are very happy to hear that you were able to see our little Hector's dolphins.
Had a great experience on this Harbour cruise. All of the staff were very friendly & accommodating. The Captain was very knowledgeable of the whole area & also kept you informed of what he was doing with the boat when we went out passed the Heads. We saw all the wildlife there was to see in the area, Penguins, Dolphins & Seals. Would highly recommend this cruise to anyone wanting to take a look around the Akaroa harbour.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you had such a great experience exploring Akaroa Harbour with us.
Great commentary by Mathew on a stunning day which we were fortunate to see Penguins, seals and of course the Dolphins. Topped it off with a wine,beer and cookies from Pia
Thank you for leaving such a great review. It's great you got to experience all our lovely wildlife. Our team will be happy to hear you had such a wonderful trip!
Matt, the skipper, was great. He gave a very informative history of Akaroa, geography and wildlife. Saw White Flippered Penguins, seal pups, various birds too. No dolphins, so I returned the next day to do it again. Still no luck, but what a day. It got a bit wobbly as we neared the entrance to the harbour, and Matt and Hannah and Pia, were constantly checking on the passengers wellbeing. Recommended.
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are so happy to hear that you had a nice time despite not seeing the dolphins.
The staff (captain/tour guide and assistant) were great-friendly, helpful and informative. We saw dolphins, seals, and an albatross, as well as geologic and historic features of the coast. The boat was clean and comfortable. I would recommend seasick medicine before my next trip, but I'd definitely go out again.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your time on the water with us!
