R
Christchurch locals
Very Professional, friendly crew, offered a drink and homemade cookies, skipper knowledgeable about the history of the Nature Tour
Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
+10 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $80 / person
- Location
- Akaroa
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 2,276 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 35
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Akaroa Dolphins
- Meeting point
- Check-In30 minutes before departure. Boarding 15 minutes prior.NoteAkaroa is approx. a 90-minute drive from Christchurch and Lyttelton Port.
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
What's included
Included
Knowledgeable local skipper and guide
Homemade cookie (family recipe)
Complimentary drink (beer, NZ wine, or non-alcoholic option)
Not included
Swimming with dolphins (for conservation reasons)
Transport to Akaroa
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
2,276 reviews
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
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise take?
Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise lasts about 2 hours.
How much does Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise cost?
Prices start at $80 per person for this Akaroa experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Check-In: 30 minutes before departure. Boarding 15 minutes prior. Note: Akaroa is approx. a 90-minute drive from Christchurch and Lyttelton Port. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 35 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Specialized infant seats are available
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 2,276 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Akaroa Dolphins.
Reviews(2,276)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
C
Amazing experience!!!
We had the best experience today, such value for money with extra treats like a complimentary drink, cookie and the offer of warm coats if needed, not to forget the lovely Theo!! Molly and Lucy welcomed us and the skipper shared lots of local and historic knowledge, I will particularly remember the rock sausages!! We were lucky to see beautiful Hector Dolphins - thank you for such a wonderful experience which will be added to our honeymoon memories!!
P
Saw so many dolphins, amazing tour
Really really great experience, we saw so many hectors dolphins, 2 pairs of mother and babies!! They swam right under the boat. We also saw so many cool birds, which the tour guides on the boat pointed out and named every single one, including the huge brown one that hunts and eats penguins (woah). We saw seals and one penguin, luckily not being eaten by the predator bird. We sat right up the front of the boat, best spot. Also did a tour of the stunning rock formations and caves. Albie the dog was super cute, maybe not so much at spotting dolphins but certainly good at shaking paws for treats. Absolutely loved the whole tour, very much worth the money. Booked direct with the tour on their website. Super easy to get tickets from the office and walk down the jetty.
Operator response
Thank you so much for such a fantastic and detailed review! We’re thrilled you had such an incredible day.
P
Dolphins and wonderful coastline
Wonderful boat tour. Observed Hector's dolphins close to the boat, saw fur seals swimming and sunbathing. I would do it again anytime.
Operator response
Thank you!
C
Amazing trip!
Attended the trip with my husband, daughter and her partner and we all thoroughly enjoyed it. The staff were extremely friendly including Albie the dog! The tour guide commentary was informative and interesting. We managed to see some of the dolphins and the scenery was totally stunning. Would highly recommend. Be sure to take a warm top and wind proof jacket.
Operator response
Thank you so much for joining us and for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family had such a fantastic time exploring Akaroa Harbour with us.
N
Fantastic family morning activity
Beautiful day out. Saw dolphins, penguins and seals. The skipper and crew were great, very friendly and knowledgeable about the area. Highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you!
D
Boogerooneys Dolphin Nature Cruise 2/10/2026
Had a great 2-hour cruise with George, Lucy, Alexia & Louie (canine). As promised, we saw loads of Hectors Dolphins & NZ Fur Seals. Georges commentary was superb & engaging. Lucy & Alexia were lovely, friendly hostesses. Highly recommend to anyone - either Christchurch locals like us, visitors from outside Canterbury or NZ.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re delighted you had such a great 2-hour cruise. Thank you for recommending us to both locals and visitors. We really appreciate your support and hope to see you back again in the near future.
C
Fun on the water in Akaroa
This was so fun! We were lucky to see seals, Hector dolphins, and Penguins! Our crew was so knowledgeable and funny! 100% recommend this to anyone! Thank you all so much for making our first day in NZ amazing!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fun time. We’ll be sure to pass your lovely comments on to the crew.
S
Amazing day on Akaroa Harbour with dozens of Hector’s dolphins
Amazing experience in the water. Educational and fun. We had an amazing day. Chops and lucy are amazing team and made the day the best.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so pleased to hear you had such an amazing day with us. It’s fantastic to know you found the cruise both educational and fun ~ that’s exactly what we hope to deliver!
V
Dolphins galore
We went with this operator because they do NOT offer 'swimming with the dolphins' tour which we applauded. It was a great trip..saw dolphins close up. Alfie, the dolphin dog must of been exhausted from the morning trip as he spent most of the time snoozing on the top deck under the seat! Would recommend.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your lovely review and for choosing Akaroa Dolphins! We're delighted to hear you had such a wonderful trip and enjoyed seeing the dolphins up close. We really appreciate your support of our approach to responsible dolphin watching and protecting these incredible animals in their natural environment.
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from$80
5.0(2,276) Free cancellation