The 9 Boat Tours in Akaroa That Go Early

1.Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,143 reviews · from $80Our pick

Spend two hours on a stable, roomy catamaran exploring Akaroa Harbour, the lighthouse, and Banks Peninsula. Skippers such as George, Dave, and Joe share local stories while trained dolphin-spotting dogs help scan the water. Your ticket includes a New Zealand beer, wine, or soft drink plus a homemade cookie. Dolphin sightings are likely but never guaranteed.

“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!”

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2.Dolphin Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 440 reviews · 2 hours · from $77

Spend two hours on Akaroa Harbour with a local crew, watching for rare Hector’s dolphins and other wildlife. Guides such as George, Dave, and Chops add lively local stories, while dolphin-spotting dogs Albie, Wilbur, Theo, or Archie help scan the water. Your fare includes a drink, homemade cookies, warm jackets, sunscreen, and a comfortable catamaran ride.

“Weather was perfect. Captain knew exactly where to look for the dolphins, and spent time explaining how the area was formed, and the rock formations. Also saw seals as well. Hot and cold drinks and home made cookies on offer as well. Very enjoyable.”

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3.Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 332 reviews · from $77

Join Black Cat Cruises at Akaroa’s main wharf for a two-hour catamaran trip through a volcanic harbour. Your skipper provides live commentary as you watch for Hector’s dolphins, little blue penguins, fur seals, seabirds, sea caves, and cliffs. Tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are included, with morning and afternoon departures.

“It was easy to book. Staff were fun friendly inviting. Free cuppa on board. A bit chilly but many blankets about boat to use. We saw dolphins seals penguins. Beautiful calm day,”

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4.Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 235 reviews · 2 hours · from $71

Cruise Akaroa Harbour aboard a spacious catamaran with an English-speaking skipper and nature guide. Look for rare Hector’s dolphins, little penguins, fur seals, albatross, and cormorants while passing sea caves, 500-foot cliffs, Scenery Nook, and Nikau Palm Gully. Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, toilets, and covered seating are provided.

“Very nice experience. If you visit Akaroa is a must to do this excursion. Highly recommended”

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5.Akaroa Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $68

Join local skipper Tony and Mafi for a 2-hour-45-minute cruise from Akaroa into the Banks Peninsula. The small boat carries no more than 30 people, giving you a close view of cliffs, caves, seabirds, seals, penguins, and the rare Hector’s dolphin. Tony shares local stories about wildlife, geology, and Akaroa.

“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 flockRead more”

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6.Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 54 reviews · from $173

From Akaroa’s wharf, you’ll cross Banks Peninsula to Christchurch for the Botanic Gardens, city sights, and earthquake rebuild story. Then race across the shallow Waimakariri River in a jet boat, with high-speed runs and 360-degree spins. Guides such as John, Greg, Deon, and Malcolm have led trips, and port transfers are included.

“The driver that picked us up and took us to the first museum was excellent and very good about talking on the history of the area. Could have used a bit longer at the first stop, by the time you found the restroom and worked your way in and out of the museum you didn't get to see a lot. The next driver who took over from the museum through Christchurch was not over enthusiastic about the job - here is an empty lot, this is a piece of art that was a waste of money - that sort of thing - although we laughed and still talk about it…”

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7.Scenic Coastline Wildlife Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 32 reviews · 2h 30m · from $65Best value

Join Tony and Muffie aboard Wairiri, a 41-foot kauri launch, for a 2.5-hour wildlife cruise around Akaroa Harbour. Expect volcanic cliffs, seabirds, possible little blue penguins, dolphins, and the chance to pull up a lobster pot. Afternoon trips may include Scruffy, the boat dog.

“A very enjoyable and informative boat trip with a knowledgeable guide. We saw lots of hunter dolphins and other animals. And the smaller boat could get closer to the coast.”

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8.Akaroa Day Tour with Optional Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 10 reviews · 1 day · from $113

Travel from Christchurch to Akaroa by air-conditioned van with an English, Hindi, Korean, or Punjabi-speaking driver. Stop at Sumner Beach, Lyttelton Harbour, Little River, and Barry’s Bay Cheese Factory, then enjoy about three hours in French-influenced Akaroa. Add the harbour cruise for wildlife and volcanic-cliff views.

“The harbour cruise was the highlight of the tour.”

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9.Akaroa with optional dolphin cruise (Small Group Tour)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $340

Spend 7 to 8 hours touring Banks Peninsula in a group of no more than eight. Your guide, possibly Lachie or Alan, takes you from Christchurch to Akaroa via Port Hills, Little River, and quiet coastal roads. Choose the Giant’s House sculpture garden or a harbour cruise, with lunch, tea, snacks, and walks included.

“Wonderful, relaxed day traveling to Akaroa with several stops along the way. Our guide, Lachie (rhymes with hockey) was calm, knowledgeable, and friendly. We loved the morning tea stop. He shared information about the Māori and easily fielded our general geopolitical questions. Great viewpoints.”

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