Akaroa Wildlife Cruise
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Akaroa, New Zealand
- 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Akaroa sits along the rugged Banks Peninsula, which is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and abundance of wildlife. With this tour, set sail on a 3-hour cruise and admire the natural scenery from the water. Along the way, look out for rare Hector’s dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and a wide variety of sea birds.
- Admire the views as you cruise around the Banks Peninsula
- Spot wildlife like Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and seabirds
- Travel by small boat with a maximum of 30 passengers
- Learn about Akaroa from a passionate local guide
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 59E Beach Road, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
You will find us on Drummonds Jetty opposite the Fish n' Chips shop in Akaroa
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Operating hours.1:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Akaroa
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 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
Rachel_D
Great to be on a smaller boat with only a few other guests, and with really knowledgeable and friendly skipper(s) in Tony & Mafi. Their personal approach to describing local history, geology and wildlife made for a unique trip. We saw Hector’s Dolphins, Fur Seals, Albatrosses and Penguins as well as getting up close to fascinating coastal features. A very memorable experience - would choose it every time over the bigger mass market boat operators.
Reviews
4.9
based on 109 reviews
Nancy_M, Mar 2026
Everything on the website is true, small groups, an amazing guide Tony with knowledge and enthousiasme! We were lucky and saw all the wildlife as: seals, dolphins, a pinguïn, albatros…
Absolute an amazing boattrip!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Nancy
Thank you for joining us the other day and this wonderful review. It was a pleasure to have you on board.
All the best.
Cheers, Tony and Mafi
Rachel_D, Mar 2026
Great to be on a smaller boat with only a few other guests, and with really knowledgeable and friendly skipper(s) in Tony & Mafi. Their personal approach to describing local history, geology and wildlife made for a unique trip. We saw Hector’s Dolphins, Fur Seals, Albatrosses and Penguins as well as getting up close to fascinating coastal features. A very memorable experience - would choose it every time over the bigger mass market boat operators.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Rachel
Thank you for choosing Coast up Close and taking time for this wonderful review. We love having smaller groups, too and getting to know our guests a little bit while we are out there.
All the best.
Cheers, Tony and Mafi
Tim_M, Apr 2025
Tony and Moffie are incredible. They knew exactly where to go and how best to maneuver their boat to get up close and personal to the seals, cliffs, caves, and dolphins. They respect the dolphins and don’t chase them, but the dolphins flocked to their boat in part because they slow down but don’t stop, so dolphins are pushed by their boat leading to amazing videos of the dolphins swimming right beneath you. If you want a smaller boat with a more intimate experience with a knowledgeable crew, then book this adventure. You will thank me for it.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Hi Tim
Thank you for joining Coast up Close and for this fabulous review. We. are thrilled you had a good time and hope the rest of your travels went well.
Cheers, Mafi
gary_S, Feb 2025
It was canceled. We never went. Don’t charge us!!! Don’t you monitor the trips you arrange? Who’s minding the store
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hi Gary
If we cancel a trip for weather or other reasons we always pay a full refund.I have just checked your booking and the trip you booked with us went ahead but by 1pm when we are due to leave you hadn't turn up. That was a busy day in Akaroa and a very good day on the water. We had a very good trip.
I don't know why you thought trip was cancelled as we had no communication with you prior to the trip.
Regards, Tony and Mafi
Blair_H, Jan 2025
Tony and Mafi are great hosts. Super friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable... and great dolphin spotters!! A lovely way to see one of New Zealand's best places.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Hi Blair
Thank you for joining our trip and this fab review. Our backyard is certainly a beautiful place.
Cheers, Tony and Mafi
Natasha_D, Jan 2025
We had a wonderful time on the tour! Great to have a smaller group compared to some of the other bigger companies. Saw plenty of dolphins, a couple of seals and even a little penguin. Great tour guides too, very friendly and knowledgable.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for this fab review and great to know you had a wonderful time. Smaller groups are a definitely better - it gives us the opportunity to meet all our guests, too.
Take care.
Cheers, Tony and Mafi
Susan_P, Mar 2024
The care and dedication to the animals that Tony and partner showed was amazing. Their Experience and knowledge was fantastic and beautiful weather topped off a great afternoon.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Hi Susan
Thank you for your 5 star review. Good weather is always a bonus and we're glad you had a good afternoon.
Cheers, Tony and Mafi
Chantal_W, Mar 2025
Un moment convivial, SIMPLE et surtout calme car un nombre restreint de personnes sur le bateau.
L’accueil et la convivialité de Tony et sa partenaire (dont j’ai malheureusement oublié le prénom)
La chance plus ou moins importante de voir des animaux dans leur milieu naturel (et c’est normal)
Pour notre part , nous avons vu des dauphins, otaries, oiseaux sauvages et des endroits avec une particularité géologique très difficile d’accès.
Sans oublier les nombreuses anecdotes de Tony.
Nous recommandons vivement.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for choosing Coast up Close and this lovely review. We hope the rest of your travels are going well.
Cheers, Tony and Mafi
From $67.40
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Akaroa Wildlife Cruise
109
2 hours 45 minutes
Free Cancellation
From
$67.40
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in Akaroa, New Zealand
More attractions near Akaroa, New Zealand