Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Akaroa, New Zealand
- 2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
The rarest dolphins in the world live in Akaroa's waters, and you can get close on this eco-friendly sailing tour. Step back in time aboard the Fox II, a vintage wooden sailboat that’s over 100 years old and one of New Zealand's oldest working ketch boats. Glide quietly through the waters, looking out for dolphins, penguins, seals, and albatross but leaving them undisturbed for a memorable wildlife experience.
- The half-day sailing trip leaves time for other activities
- Admire beautiful views of Banks Peninsula and Akaroa
- Spot rare and protected wildlife in its natural habitat
- Departs from Akaroa, an easy day trip from Christchurch
What's Included
- Coffee and/or TeaCoffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and Biscuits
- Alcoholic BeveragesLocal wine, beer and nonalcoholic beverages for purchase
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Daly's WharfDalyʼs Wharf, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand
Dalys Wharf Akaroa, take a right at the Bank of New Zealand!
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Akaroa Lighthouse (Pass By)
Akaroa (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Not wheelchair accessible
- 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
Joy_H
We saw so much wildlife and so many Hectors Dolphins. It was incredible. The scenery was marvelous. Very knowledgeable narration.. knew all the facts.
Reviews
4.9
based on 92 reviews
Lindsey_R, Mar 2026
A great trip, mostly using the engine but also sail. Even when a warm day it can be cold out in the bay, so do take a windproof, though the crew provide coats if you are cold. The first drink offered is paid for (cans of soft drink, beer etc) 2nd on the way back is tea, coffee, hot chocolate and a cookie which is included.
We saw dolphins multiple times, also seals and pups, various birds including a little blue penguin and an albatross. It was a very enjoyable trip, with the captain giving information on the bay.
It was a lovely clear day so the bay was at its best
Joy_H, Apr 2024
We saw so much wildlife and so many Hectors Dolphins. It was incredible. The scenery was marvelous. Very knowledgeable narration.. knew all the facts.
Karan_S, Apr 2024
We got to see dolphins multiple times, as well as seals!! The area was really beautiful and the captain and staff were super nice and informative. This might have been my first time on a sailboat and it was an awesome experience. Akaroa is also generally a pretty town too and the drive down to it was breathtaking, so would also consider leaving some time to explore before or after your sailing trip.
Lamya_K, Mar 2023
It was a very nice and relaxing tour . Saw some dolphins and seals and penguins . The lovely views were mesmerizing
Paul_M, Jan 2023
The captain and crew made our family adventure on this amazing and stylish sailing vessel memorable, funny, entertaining, educational and very interesting. The dolphins were elusive on the day we sailed, but the crew tried very hard to find them and we did! It was a fabulous day out for myself, my wife and our kids...We loved seeing wild animals in their natural state. We saw seals, penguins, shags, albatross, seagulls, sheep, cattle and, eventually, a lot of dolphins. I recommend you give it go and hope you enjoy the wholesome activity as much as we did.
Thanks for a great day out on the water Akaroa Fox II Sailing, we'll be back someday.
Mary_F, Dec 2022
Understanding more of the history and that Peter Blake once owned the yacht.
Thankyou was a great experience.
david_k, Dec 2022
Thoroughly recommend. The sights and history was amazing. Seeing the dolphins was epic.
The commentary from the captain was very informative
Joanne_P, Dec 2022
The Fox 11 stopped at the chapel and played beautiful music. Transformed the adventure into an experience I’ll never forget.
Gemma_T, Jan 2022
The tour was great, Roy, the captain was knowledgeable and spoke about the local history and about the landscape throughout. The views were also stunning. We ventured out of the harbour into the ocean and explored small sea caves. Roy extended the trip time to make sure we got a chance to see the dolphins and they were a little shy & and we did see them in the end! The boat itself is very cool with its old wooden mass & worn red sails.
This would have been 5 stars but this was deducted as this is NOT a private tour as Viator claims. The boat was literally packed. This tour is advertised specifically to “avoid crowds” & I quote “This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate”…… false advertisement if you ask me, or am I missing something here?
**the tour was amazing and the -star is purely because of Viator giving false expectations of the romantic quiet private tour we thought that we had booked. In retrospect it was cheap if it was a private tour but I guessed it was a last-minute booking price or something.**
Response from Host, Jan 2022
Thanks for the great review. You are right it’s not a private tour, and shouldn’t be advertised that way. I will talk to Viator to find out why they say that. It should be noted that we do offer private tours starting at $500 per trip. 2-6 people. These are after our regular trips. We are also considered one of NZ’s best values at $95 for a 3 hour sailing trip into the ocean with dolphins, seals and albatross on a 100 year old wooden ketch. Please come again and you will have another wonderful experience.
Janet_C, Feb 2021
The dolphins.... Fun and beautiful. Getting out of the harbour, turning off the engine and sailing, with the dolphins. Lovely music. Very informative. Unbelievable value. Could not have asked for a better experience.
Mike_P, Jan 2021
The dolphins we saw were amazing and worth the trip alone. Roy was a great guide with lots of knowledge about Akaroa and very friendly. Couldn't have asked for a better tour.
Heidi_R, Feb 2020
Awesome tour that covered all bases; history, wildlife, geology, sailing. Loved the music that the dolphins apparently do, also the time and quiet under sail power only (wish there could be more). 'Cuddle puddle' of seal pups was a special treat. Captain Roy and crew seemed to have fun with it all and we did too!
From $86.60
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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