Akaroa Dolphins: Small Group Nature Cruise with Local Wine and Homemade Treats

Join Akaroa Dolphins for a small group nature cruise in Akaroa, New Zealand. Enjoy local wine, homemade treats, and get up close to wildlife. Book now!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 65 Beach Road - As a holder of a New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, we are legally authorized to take guests on dolphin and seal viewing tours. We are proud to be one of only two year-round operators in Akaroa Harbour with this permit, so we encourage you to choose responsibly.
    Enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise on our…
What's Included
  • Famous home-baked cookies
  • Complimentary New Zealand wine, beer, or a non-alcoholic option
What's Not Included
  • We do not swim with the dolphins.
Additional Information

In essence, we are a family enterprise with our steering team being fifth and sixth generation locals of Banks Peninsula. We work alongside our relatives and a dedicated team focused on providing an unforgettable experience!
To ensure comfort and optimal viewing, we limit the number of passengers per group. This allows you sufficient space to explore the…

Location
65 Beach Road
Beach Road
Check-in is no later than 30 minutes prior to the departure, with boarding 15 minutes beforehand. Please note, Akaroa is roughly a 90-minute drive from Christchurch and Lyttelton Port.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(1889 Ratings)
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Brenda_s
Mar 16, 2025
It was very enjoyable. We... - It was very enjoyable. We saw 3 small groups of dolphins which were very cute. It can be cold on the water so dress warmly.
Review provided by Viator
Felipetq7558pf
Mar 16, 2025
Best cruise for Hectors dolphins in Akaroa - Such a great cruise and for such a good deal! We got many sightings of hectors dolphins and even some calves! The dolphins seem to have accustomed to the vessels as they are curious and approach the boats, which makes it much easier to see them. The coast line is also amazing, the crew was friendly. 10 out of 10 experience! I recommend this cruise over trying to swim with them. Oh and how can I forget that you get to go with a boat dog!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian_b
Mar 16, 2025
Excellent experience - Excellent experience. Captain/owner was a great guide. Staff was friendly and attentive. We got to see dolphins and fur seals. Awesome experience from a family owned business. Highly satisfied and highly recommend this tour
Review provided by Viator
Evan
Mar 15, 2025
Great trip into nature - Great afternoon. Well looked after by the crew. Great trip around the extinct volcano. Lots of dolphins and fur seals in the wild. Amazing!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dream15202486993
Mar 14, 2025
Highly recommend! - Money WELL spent highly recommend, Captain was excellent and the views were stunning saw lots of dolphins and seals 🦭 🐬
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ndb1965
Mar 14, 2025
Fantastic 2 hours - Wonderful 2 hours spent onboard with a great crew. Informative and we were able to see the siphons next to boat, two albatross and the seals. Complimentary drinks and biscuits were appreciated. Freya was knowledgeable and friendly as we the other crew members. Very happy to recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pioneer24801827742
Mar 13, 2025
Don't miss it. - We loved our cruise of the Akaroa harbour. We enjoyed seeing the wee Hectors Dolphins and the commentary about the history of the area and the dolphins was informative and interesting. Loved the friendly service going the extra mile with complimentary drinks and home baked cookies.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Noisette204
Mar 11, 2025
Superb outdoor event in Akaroa - A great outing. Superb and comfortable boat, excellent crew and stunning view of the bay and its fauna. We highly recommend !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gpjrm
Mar 11, 2025
Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise - Our two hour Nature trip was amazing. Our crew looked after us well. Our Captain gave a great commentary. Saw amazing landscapes along the coast eg Cathederal and Elephant Rocks , and also close up dolphins, seals and even a fairy penguin. Great photo opportunities. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Christine
Mar 10, 2025
Great experience - We loved our trip today with Akaroa Dolphin cruises. The crew were first class . Very informative as well as continually checking on everyone’s welfare. We saw the dolphins , seals, birds as well as the impressive caves and coastal scenery. We were lucky to have a beautiful day but as you can easily walk around the boat there is always a perfect place to sit or stand. I highly recommend this cruise.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
March 2025
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