Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
Recommended by 100% of travelers
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Akaroa, New Zealand
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Spot Akaroa Harbour’s rare Hector’s dolphins on a catamaran wildlife cruise that includes fresh-baked cookies and a drink. The 2-hull catamaran offers more stability and deck space than a single-hull boat, ensuring a comfortable spot as you scan for fur seals, white-flippered penguins, and other wildlife. Dolphin-spotting dogs are on board. Equipped with dog life-vests and a keen ear, they’ll help make your dolphin encounter an unforgettable experience.
- Wildlife harbor cruise in a roomy catamaran
- Enjoy an included New Zealand beer, wine, or a non-alcoholic drink
- Provided home-baked cookies are from a family recipe
- See the scenic coastline from the water
What's Included
- Complimentary drink (beer, NZ wine, or non-alcoholic option)
- Homemade cookie (family recipe)
- Knowledgeable local skipper and guide
- Swimming with dolphins (for conservation reasons)
- Transport to Akaroa
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 65 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
Check-In: 30 minutes before departure. Boarding 15 minutes prior. Note: Akaroa is approx. a 90-minute drive from Christchurch and Lyttelton Port.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Ticket Redemption Point
65 Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
What To Expect
1
Akaroa Lighthouse
2
Akaroa
3
Banks Peninsula
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- We do not swim with the dolphins
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Belinda_N
We had an incredible morning. The scenery was stunning, and it wasn’t long before the skilled staff found the Hectors dolphins. They played around the boat giving us a great show. The crew were very friendly, helpful and would answer all your questions with a smile. Albie shared himself around the passengers and was an integral member of the crew (it wouldn’t have been the same without him). The captain told us about the history of Akaroa and the animals that inhabit the area which was really interesting. Despite the windy weather, the boat was very stable and comfortable. The trip finished with a delicious homemade chocolate chip cookie. Thanks everyone for a memorable morning!
Reviews
5.0
based on 2,242 reviews
Helen_T, May 2026
Now I know what caldera cliffs and caves look like and they are stunningly beautiful.. With lots of inside and outside seats we saw so many seals and dolphins while Louis, the dolphin watcher, dog slept soundly! This is a rare slice of history.. a rare excursion.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for such a beautifully written review!
Eric_J, Apr 2026
The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The dogs aboard the boat that help locate the dolphins by listening to their echolocation sounds amazing.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you Eric, we really appreciate that your shared your experience!
Sandra_M, Apr 2026
Fantastic and informative cruise. A lovely personal touch compared to commercialized cruises. Highly recommend 👌
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your lovely review, Sandra!
Belinda_N, Apr 2026
We had an incredible morning. The scenery was stunning, and it wasn’t long before the skilled staff found the Hectors dolphins. They played around the boat giving us a great show. The crew were very friendly, helpful and would answer all your questions with a smile. Albie shared himself around the passengers and was an integral member of the crew (it wouldn’t have been the same without him). The captain told us about the history of Akaroa and the animals that inhabit the area which was really interesting. Despite the windy weather, the boat was very stable and comfortable. The trip finished with a delicious homemade chocolate chip cookie. Thanks everyone for a memorable morning!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear you had such an incredible morning out on the water with us.
Peter_G, Mar 2026
What a lovely trip! Small group on a nice boat with a great crew (and Albie, of course). Drinks and good information as we rode through the harbor. I thought we'd be looking for dolphins, but no, the dolphins excitedly found us! Hector's Dolphins love playing under and all around the boat — we had great views of the frolicking. We also saw a couple of White-flippered penguins and some seals basking on rocks. Akaroa is a great visit anyway, but this trip seals the deal.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear you had such an enjoyable trip with us. It’s great that you appreciated the small group experience.
Andrew_D, Mar 2026
Great trip hosted by the crew and its dog. We saw lots of dolphins and seals and the scenery was fantastic
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you, Andrew!
Fern_M, Mar 2026
Was so glad to hear this is a family run business and they are locals to Akaroa, it made the experience more wholesome and you can tell they put so much effort into what they do. We received a drink on arrival and even homemade cookies at the end which was a lovely touch! The staff onboard were so friendly and helpful and there’s even Albie the dolphin dog onboard to help. We seen penguins, seals and dolphins so it was the best outcome for the trip and I learned so much from the captain letting us in on all the knowledge of the area and wildlife. I would book through this company again 100%. They deserve all the awards they’ve won and been nominated for.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for recommending us so highly. We truly appreciate your support and hope to welcome you back to Akaroa again in the future!
Trevor_A, Feb 2026
We had a great time.
The Captain and his assistant looked after us very well with a very informative trip and provided us with a drink and cookie during our trip.
The seals were amazing laying around on the rocks.
Make sure you leave sufficient time to travel from Christchurch to Akaroa as the 70klms take roughly 90 mins.
Saw the cute Hector Dolphins who travel through the water very quickly and are hard to get a picture of.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Trevor! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that you had a great time out on the water with us.
Anne_J, Feb 2026
This was a fun and informative trip. All the crew in the boat were lovely and very hospitable. The commentary was very interesting. We saw dolphins, fur seals, sea birds, and someone got a quick glimpse of a penguin.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We’re delighted to hear you found the trip both fun and informative.
SwagatKumar_P, Feb 2026
Outstanding. The ride was smooth with detailed commentary. Complementary drinks and cookies turned out to be extra fun. Captain knew his stuff and where to guide.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are so thrilled that you had such an enjoyable experience.
Tejal_D, Feb 2026
Customer Friendly. Safe travel.
On time hop in hop off.
No surcharge based on demand.
I must recommend.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for recommending us! Safe travels, and thank you for choosing us!
JOANNE_R, Feb 2026
Fantastic cruise! Staff were so informative, friendly and we spotted dolphins - a mother and baby - which was incredible. Also saw penguins and seals. Highly recommend
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the cruise and that our team made you feel welcome and well~informed.
Karen_B, Jan 2026
Great trip on a very comfortable boat. Informative guide and complimentary drink is a nice touch. Very relaxing afternoon
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much!
Tiarnna_S, Jan 2026
Such a great tour, would highly recommend to everyone. The skipper was very knowledgeable and the whole team were lovely and accommodating. We saw lots of wildlife and the scenery was incredible.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for the lovely review! We are so happy you had a nice trip and got to enjoy the harbour!
Julia_A, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for a wonderful trip. We saw amazing wildlife and the crew were funny and helpful.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for your nice review. We are so glad you enjoyed he trip and had a good experience.
Miriy_R, Jan 2026
Excelent tour, very informative, lot of dolfins and sea lions and even a pingguin. We enjoyed it very much.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you!
Caitlyn_T, Jan 2026
Excellent harbor cruise! My family (mom, dad, 4mo baby) enjoyed every minute of this experience. We were able to see dolphins, penguins, and seals. Our captain, George, was personable and provided an excellent tour. We’d recommend this to all ages!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that your whole family ~ including your little one ~ enjoyed the harbor cruise.
Jackie_H, Jan 2026
A lovely experience with excellent commentary about the area and wildlife. I would recommend this trip.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much!
Caroline_W, Jan 2026
Highly recommend this trip. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff who ensure you have a great time (thanks for the spare coat team!) and a comfortable boat. We loved seeing the seals swimming alongside and several dolphin sightings - the mum and baby were a definite bonus.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely review!
Courtney_S, Dec 2025
This was amazing! The Team on board the cruise were wonderful. Would recommend to everyone and will be back for sure!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you! We look forward to having you back on board again soon.
brownat2, Dec 2025
This was a wonderful experience! We saw penguins, dolphins, seals, and shags. The boat was small but spacious. We also really loved to ship's dog, he was so cute and friendly.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much!
Graeme_H, Nov 2025
Very comfy boat, a catamaran. Dave Hannah and Elsa gave excellent friendly service. Great sights were had.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your lovely review!
Dave, Elsa and Hana are thrilled to hear you had a great time sightseeing.
Amanda_B, Nov 2025
So diverse sampling of history of surrounds, wildlife variety encountered. Great weather and welcome complimentary cold beer.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you, Amanda! We’re thrilled to hear you had a superb time!
Jamie_W, Nov 2025
George and the team at Akaroa Dolphin Cruises could not have been any more personable and lovely if they tried! They are such down to earth people who are proud of where they are from and showcasing the knowledge they have of the land, fauna and history!
We saw many Dolphins, Seals and one Albatros and a Penguin.
Just amazing. Supporting a local families company is easy when they are so great at what they do! Including George’s banter and entertaining speeches!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much, Jamie, for your wonderful review! It truly means the world to us.
Jonas_M, Nov 2025
Wonderful, friendly atmosphere! We had a fantastic time! We saw a lot of Akaroa's martime wildlife, dolphins, seals, seabirds...
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you for your kind words.
We are thrilled you had a wonderful time and got to experience Akaroa's diverse maritime wildlife.
We hope to see you again in Akaroa.
Evelyn_W, Nov 2025
It was a spectacular trip with lovely people and we saw a lot of dolphins. The skipper and his crew was amazing.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you Evelyn for your review!
The crew will be thrilled to hear that you had such an amazing time with us.
cconibearxtraconz, Nov 2025
We had lovely weather, just remember to take a warm jacket with you if you are going to sit at the front of the boat. Lovely staff on the boat too highly recommend
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation!
Brittany_G, Nov 2025
This was such an amazing adventure where we saw Hectors Dolphins, penguins and seals. 12/10 experience. Dave, Lucy, Elsa and sweet Albie were our crew and they helped us spot lots of wildlife while at sea!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Brittany ~ we’re thrilled to hear you had such an amazing adventure with us!
April_L, Nov 2025
What a wonderful day! We saw so many dolphins, seals, and even a penguin. The crew were very informative and the drink and cookie were an extra treat. I would highly recommend the experience.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you, April!
Finlay_S, Oct 2025
Loved it! Everyone was so enthusiastic about the wildlife and it seeped into everyone onboard! We got very lucky with a gap in the awful weather and even luckier (given the conditions) to see dolphins and an albatross. Dog was a welcome plus also who kept everyone aboard smiling. Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your lovely review! We hope you can join us again one day soon.
From $79.39
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise
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