My wife and I went to Akoroa on a Norwegian cruise. We were tendered into Akoroa where the start of the Black Cat cruise started._br/_ We got to the pier early so had a very nice walk around Akoroa. lovely little seaside town with cafes restaurants and shops. We had a very good breakfast cannot remember the cafe's name but about 400 yards to the left of the pier. We went back to the pier to get on the cruise. The crew and staff were excellent on board the Black Cat. The skipper gave a full description of the surroundings plus ensured we saw the dolphins and seals. I can recommend this cruise - good fun
Review by: danielakorem, February 2018
The dolphins didnt show up._br/_ The price was excessive for the 2 hours cruise, on a boat full of people, difficult to take pictures when people claimed their real estate on the rail and didnt relinquish it for the whole trip...._br/_ A ripp-off.
Review by: m.tompsett, February 2018
Amazing experience- boat crew made sure we saw the wild birds up close- an absolute Must Do excursion.
Review by: John D, February 2018
We saw lots of amazing coastal scenery and a variety of wildlife including little penguins, dolphins, seals, shags and other birdlife._br/_ Good commentary. Complimentary Tea, Coffee and Hot Chocolate available but not strongly promoted.
Review by: Roslyn K, January 2018
Great trip - even with the poor weather conditions.
Review by: Elisa K, December 2017
We were lucky to see a seal having an octopus meal. Some spectacular scenery.
Review by: Dennis W, November 2017
Our Nature Cruise was a fun experience. We were able to see dolphins several times around the boat, seals on the rocks, and a variety of birds. Also saw historical Maori buildings. Geological formations were interesting and layers exposed were varied, showing past volcanic activity and many caves. Highly recommend that you dress warm and enjoy.
Review by: jstrasser, August 2017
Great tour worth the time to do this lovely dream and very scenic drive from Christchurch to Akoroa
Review by: Katrine H, July 2017
Nice cruise, saw wildlife.
Review by: Samir, June 2017
Great tour. Our guide was fantastic and took us to beautiful spots all around the harbour while explaining everything in great detail. Got to see a lot of beautiful animals!
Review by: Lyskira, March 2017
This community was my absolute favorite in New Zealand. During our Harbour Cruise, we saw a family of dolphins, and seals, and the driver stayed in the area and make sure all sides of the boat had a chance to see them and take photos. We had a wonderful time. I recommend this excursion, however if we didn't see seals and dolphins, I probably would have had a lower rating.
Review by: Rene v, February 2017
We had purchased our tickets online through Tripadvisor, following the cancellation of the TranzAlpine rail trip, due to bush fires. We had a 12.30 trip booked for 3 people including an 8 year old. Akaroa is an amazingly beautiful little town with very friendly people and plenty to see and do for a day out. We picked up our boarding cards early and had a look around town. Picked up some lunch for on the boat. The vessel is of medium size coping with around 40 people. It was pretty full and we decided to remain on the rear upper deck. Glad we did, as this is less windy and less motion. If you get car sick easily, make sure you take some medicine prior to this trip as it can get pretty choppy. First we had a lovely tour of the bay around Akaroa with running commentary and after about an hour we spotted the first Hector dolphins. These are quite small but pretty easy to spot. There werent a great number of them but still, very interesting. We came out of the main bay into the open ocean and into another small bay where we spotted a number of seals including baby pups, on the shore. We came within 20 metres so a great photo opportunity. On our way back into the main bay we spotted some penguins, poking their heads from the sea and more dolphins following us. The weather was excellent February and the sea calm so we had a great 2.5 hours with good informative commentary. Dont bother with the cheesy must do picture they take at the start of the trip though which slightly spoils the magic.
Review by: Samuel M, February 2017
The boat was roomy and comfortable and the guide very informative. We saw the smallest species of dolphin, penguin and baby seals.
Review by: Sharon J, February 2017
Nice tour and beautiful sight outside the harbor. We were not fortunate enough to see dolphins, but still enjoyed the trip.
Review by: stitcherviv, December 2016
Loved it. We were on a full boat but no problem moving around to take pics. of the scenery and the wildlife on view. You are taken out of the harbour and bay area and can see small dolphins, seals and, if you are lucky like us, small penguins. The dolphins particularly seem to enjoy being around the boat. Through Viator is the way to book your trip as the prices are very competitive - if you are going to be there as a stop on a cruise you will find the cruise line prices ridiculously high for similar trips.
Review by: Claude I, March 2016
It would have been better to have a pretty day for this cruise, but the clouds did not stop us. The Akaroa harbor is full of wildlife -- Hector's dolphins zooming by so fast you can't catch them in a photo tiny penguins floating by fur seals lazing on the rocks. Enjoyed them all.
Review by: Benjamin S, March 2016
Unforgettable tour! We saw lots of dolphins, penguins and seals. Cruise ships offer exactly the same tour for roughly double the price.
Review by: jemw2, March 2016
A very interesting and informative cruise. The dolphins were tricky to find, but we eventually saw them close up. Highly recomended.
Review by: Peter O, February 2016
Very enjoyable harbour cruise seeing dolphins and seasls
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