Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise - Akaroa, New Zealand

Your modern catamaran, the 60 feet / 20 meter Black Cat, is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of the Harbour. The vessel is the largest and most luxurious on the Harbour. There's lots of space on the 2 decks for unimpeded viewing and there's plenty of covered seating, in case you need to get out of the sunshine. Inside there's a bar and toilets. And being the largest it's both stable and safe. Relax stretch out and discover the Harbour.

The cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the Harbour.

The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting of one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. These friendly and inquisitive mammals meet the boat most days throughout the year and their calves can be seen between October and March.

Also on the trip you will catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. There are many different bird species in the Harbour, including five different cormorant species and the chance of sighting the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. You'll also see the New Zealand Fur Seal sunning themselves on the harbors rocks near the entrance at Seal Bay.

We will stop at Lucas Bay to look at a salmon farm. This is where the world-famous "Akaroa Salmon" are raised.

On each two-hour cruise we will endeavor to show you wildlife plus the many sea caves and volcanic cliffs. As Akaroa Harbour was a live volcano nine million years ago, there is many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and has a fascinating history while Nikau Palm Gully is the Southern most limit for these palm trees. There is also the incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheater that will take your breath away.