We hope you will visit us again one day. We highly recommend this tour. To find out more about Black Cat’s Akaroa and Lyttelton Cruises, Swimming with Dolphins, Diamond Harbour Ferries and our Island Adventures, please use the contact details below, or click on the button to book directly online. point. Find more Bring your camera – there are incredible views. Due to the cooler time of year we jumped on the Nature cruise along with Captain Kate. - See 1,422 traveler reviews, 631 candid photos, and great deals for Akaroa, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. You can also find us at 61 Beach Road. Last did this trip more than a decade ago. The Award Winning Black Cat Group is internationally recognised as one of the success stories of the New Zealand tourism industry and an eco-tourism pioneer. Black Cat Cruises: Black Cat excursion. We were really fortunate that the weather was good and there were dozens of Hector's dolphins about as well as fur seals and albatrosses, including the Southern royal albatross. Hi Voyager560420, Thank you for choosing Black Cat Cruises to introduce you to Akaroa Harbour and the wonderful Hectors Dolphins. Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from Akaroa which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. We welcome customers in wheelchairs, with able body companions. We welcome customers in wheelchairs, with able body companions. background-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); endangered dolphins, the New Zealand's native and Your modern catamaran, the 60 foot /20 metre Black Cat (previously the Canterbury Cat), is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbour. 2:15. The bow area is not accessible because its quite a narrow walk up each side (too narrow for a wheelchair). Cruise ship passengers will disembark directly onto the main wharf in Akaroa. Akaroa is located around 80 to 90 minutes drive from Christchurch city and Christchurch International airport. by extending protection in all You also have access to the main cabin of the vessel though this means you have to get over a 30cm lip from the back deck. We do hope you will be able to visit us again soon! Thanks for taking the time to recommend us to others. This is where our main booking office and gift shop is located. 0800 937 946 or email us on akaroa@blackcat.co.nz. We chose afternoon cruise. Yesterday we were rung to be offered a refund or later tour as swells were likely to be large for morning cruise. There are many different bird species in the harbour, including five different cormorant (shag) species and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin. they need.... Information for Customers with a disability (akaroa). Information for Parents There is also the incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic amphitheatre that will take your breath away. Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa. } Jun 13, 2016 - Explore Black Cat Cruises's board "Akaroa, New Zealand" on Pinterest. The following provides a guideline to those of our customers who have a physical disability. You’ll also see New Zealand Fur Seals sunning themselves on the rocks near Seal Bay. Black Cat Cruises: Plenty of scenery and wildlife - See 1,422 traveller reviews, 631 candid photos, and great deals for Akaroa, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. padding-bottom: 60px; Find more min-height: 300px; There’s lots of room on the two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating, for shade and shelter. Our catamarans are suitable for families and for young children. Dolphins, seals and even krill! A great day out - with a friendly and welcoming crew. Information for Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises customers with a disability. A desire for less seasonal work led him to a job driving the Diamond Harbour ferry, and after the February 2011 earthquake took up skippering for Black Cat in Akaroa. Skilful operation. We offer harbour cruises in Akaroa + dolphin swimming with the rare and friendly Hector dolphin only found in New Zealand. Print this map out to help you navigate. Bring your camera – there are incredible views. Black Cat Cruises: Great experience and company - See 1,422 traveller reviews, 631 candid photos, and great deals for Akaroa, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. We were the first to offer cruises in Akaroa and we are recognised as New Zealand’s first Eco-tourism operator. Your nature cruise will be on the 'Black Cat', a large modern and stable vessel allowing great views of all the scenery and wildlife including dolphins, seals and penguins. The Diamond Harbour and Quail Island ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch. Hi TheBismarck, Great review and great advice! The Diamond Harbour and Quail Island ferry depart from Lyttelton in Christchurch. You’ll see our large blue building on the wharf with a dolphin mural painted on the roof. Black Cat Cruises – Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises. Once on the Black Cat you will have access to a wide area of the bottom deck at the stern (rear) of the boat. And the Black Cat is both stable and safe. Black Cat Cruises was established in 1985 by Ron and Durelle Bingham and grew out of their love of the harbour and its marine mammal inhabitants, particularly the Hector’s dolphin. Find more They are current New Zealand Tourism award winners. Information for Customers with a disability (akaroa) We appreciate you taking the time to review our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise and we hope you will be able to visit us again soon! The crew (Hamish & Helen) were great, friendly and full of knowledge. The race lived up to its winter title with very low temperatures. Located in stunning Akaroa, just 90 minutes from Christchurch, it is the only place in the world where you can get up close with New Zealand’s Hector's dolphin. We can cater for customers who are blind or have a loss of a limb. Snacks including chips and soft drinks are available on board. padding-bottom: 59px; We also suggest warm clothes, a hat and sun screen lotion. And you’ll see giant volcanic sea cliffs and hear about Akaroa’s fascinating past. Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. It is however not the quietest part of the boat when she is travelling at speed because the engines are in the back. Black Cat 1 Akaroa Butchery and Deli Winter Series Race 5. Your cruise itinerary gives you a clear idea of exactly what each cruise offers. Hi wellingt0nkirby, We are so delighted that we met your expectations and beyond! Frequently asked questions The bow area is not accessible because its quite a narrow walk up each side (too narrow for a wheelchair). Discover the natural beauty and fascinating wildlife on Akaroa Harbour with an amazing 2-hour cruise aboard the Black Cat, a spacious, modern catamaran specifically built for sight-seeing. The Award Winning Black Cat Group is internationally recognised as one of the success stories of the New Zealand tourism industry and an eco-tourism pioneer. The following provides a guideline to those of our customers who have a physical disability. For those with a mental illness we have never had any issues in the past provided there is good support from friends and family. look for the long wharf in the centre of the town. The 2 hour trip was discounted to $67.00 when we visited and they even throw in a free hot drink and a postcard so in reality you're paying a little over $30/Hour per adult head for entertainment and fresh air. Under 5’s travel for free. Swimming with Dolphins (Black Cat Cruises) is the ultimate dolphin experience, swimming in the wild with the endangered Hector’s Dolphin- the world’s rarest and smallest dolphin. Under 5’s travel for free. The skipper handled the vessel confidently and expertly and allowed people into the wheelhouse at one. 6.7K likes. Lucky you, seeing a Southern Royal Albatross! Book onto an Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise to see dolphins, penguins, fur seals and more, or swim with Hector’s dolphins in the wild for a once in a lifetime experience. Your physical postcard will read: I am calling on you to help awesome day out swimming with the dolphins in Akaroa with Black Cat Cruises - Duration: 2:15. blackcatcruises 50,406 views. Even more awesome is that you got to see the wonderful wildlife that we have here. padding-top: 60px; That has to be good value. Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa: Hours, Address, Black Cat Cruises Reviews: 4.5/5 #section_1397273122 { Your cruise itinerary gives you a clear idea of exactly what each cruise offers. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. background-color: rgb(0, 105, 130); Sun screen and a hat is a must even if it’s cloudy. #section_1279553674 { Booked for Fathers Day gift and redeemed today. Black Cat Cruises Introduction. Hi Terry L, Thank you for your great review. Hector's and Māui dolphins Below are more details focused on those in wheelchairs. We suggest you wear warm clothing. Slow journey out through harbour with stops for sightseeing - fur seals, volcanic rock formations, salmon farming etc. Hi Voyager560420, Thank you for choosing Black Cat Cruises to introduce you to Akaroa Harbour and the wonderful Hectors Dolphins. Along the way we've been named as the supreme tourism award winner and also hold the Enviro gold award from Qualmark to recognise our dedication to the environment. Need help getting to Akaroa? There was excellent commentary and knowledgeable staff. Hotels near Banks Peninsula War Memorial and Grounds, Hotels near Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa, Hotels near Akaroa i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Hotels near Saint Peter's Anglican Church, Hotels near (CHC) Christchurch Intl Airport, Fire & Ice - Gemstone Jewellery Specialists, Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Akaroa, Banks Peninsula War Memorial and Grounds: Tickets & Tours‎, Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa: Tickets & Tours‎, Akaroa i-SITE Visitor Information Centre: Tickets & Tours‎, Saint Peter's Anglican Church: Tickets & Tours‎, The Garden at French Farm: Tickets & Tours‎, Orion Powerhouse Gallery: Tickets & Tours‎. Black Cat Cruises: Poor crew attitude - See 1,422 traveller reviews, 631 candid photos, and great deals for Akaroa, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. It is an easy drive in a car through New Zealand farmland and then over the stunning Banks Peninsula hills to Akaroa. Click here for transport options. Our catamarans are suitable for families and for young children. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Once out of harbour went looking for Hector Dolphins. About Black Cat Cruises We started our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises back in 1985 and are the original cruise operators so we know the harbour pretty well. Outstanding tour which was both comfortable and enjoyable. On each two-hour cruise we will endeavour to show you wildlife plus the many sea caves and volcanic cliffs. Snacks including chips and soft drinks are available on board. Ask about our special family passes available on morning cruises only. Signup for our newsletter to get notified about sales and new products. We welcome customers in wheelchairs, with able body companions. We can cater for customers who are blind or have a loss of a limb. Just be warned though, even if it’s the middle of summer and it’s 30 degrees C in Akaroa, take a good jacket because it can still get very cold with the wind chill. A great couple of hours of entertainment and relaxation with a bit of education thrown in as well. We are so pleased that you got to take advantage of our awesome deal on the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise. She gave great commentary telling all on board about the surroundings and the wild life. We’ve invested in proper ramps to enable customers to get on and off the Black Cat with ease. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. Plus a range of bird life...even a Fletcher top dressing plane doing its thing. Black Cat Cruises: Akaroa and Black Cat - Fabulous - See 1,422 traveler reviews, 631 candid photos, and great deals for Akaroa, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. What do I need to bring? Thanks again for choosing to cruise with us and we hope to see you again soon! We saw heaps of dolphins, a few seals and lots of birds. dad jokes...some of them even made you crack a smile. and give them the protection We are also DOC approved and are the only cruise operator in Akaroa to have an Enviro-gold certification from Qualmark. Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa. This happens on average 2% of the time across the whole year. Information for Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises customers with a disability Please act as their guardian Black Cat Cruises. We've consulted with our impact partners and found this is the most effective way for you to make your voice heard. }. Hector’s dolphins are one of the world’s rarest and smallest oceanic dolphins and are only found in New Zealand. Black Cat Cruises offers two cruise options from the Akaroa wharf. Worth it. Enter your details below to send a postcard now. FREE PHONE 0800 4 DOLPHINS (0800 436 574) AKAROA. From Black Cat’s establishment, we have worked alongside and supported the NZ Whale and Dolphin Trust with their dolphin research in Akaroa Harbour. Swimming with Dolphins: Get up close and personal with playful Hector’s dolphins in Akaroa Harbour with only 12 swimmers maximum on each trip. padding-top: 59px; Here you can cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and Akaroa dolphins on daily harbour cruises. It is very important to us that all of our trips are fun, safe and sensitive to the nature that surrounds us. It is very important to us that all of our trips are fun, safe and sensitive to the nature that surrounds us. Book your tickets online for Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa: See 1,416 reviews, articles, and 629 photos of Black Cat Cruises, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 16 attractions in Akaroa. Information for Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises customers with a disability. Even on warm days, there may be a cool sea breeze blowing. About Black Cat Cruises We started our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises back in 1985 and are the original cruise operators so we know the harbour pretty well. In the back of the boat you will be able to see the harbour and the dolphins provided they circle the boat, which they normally do. Join us on our luxury boat where you will enjoy a 2-hour cruise around Akaroa Harbour and meet the world's smallest and rarest oceanic dolphins, the Hector's dolphin, as well as New Zealand fur seals, White-flippered penguins and an array of seabirds, all while taking in the spectacular scenery. Unfortunately my snaps did not capture the swift diving dolphins but they were there Swift trip back kept us within the 2 hours. We got a cheap deal on bookme, it was definitely worth it! The vessels have high rails, however we suggest that children are supervised at all times both for their own safety and for the enjoyment of the other people on board. Sorry the toilets on board Black Cat are not wheelchair friendly. See http://maps.google.com/ for detailed directions of how to get from Christchurch to Akaroa. Cruises depart every day, weather permitting. Akaroa Dolphins is an award-winning tourist attraction in Akaroa, New Zealand. Black Cat Cruises are an award winning New Zealand eco-tourism operator who offer the top Akaroa sightseeing activities. Price: Adult $90 per person – Child $35 pp (5 to 15 years of age ) Tours Depart: 11:00 am & 1:30 pm – All Year – Mid December to mid March 11:00 am, 1.30 pm & 3.40 pm Duration: Two hours Our 2-hour Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise takes you on a journey around an extinct volcanic crater to experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife. We started our Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises back in 1985 and are the original cruise operators so we know the harbour pretty well. Voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, your award winning cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin – the Hector’s Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. Book your tickets online for Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa: See 1,421 reviews, articles, and 631 photos of Black Cat Cruises, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 16 attractions in Akaroa. They also are the only cruise operator in Akaroa with the Enviro-gold award, as well as being the first to be award the 'SMART' accreditation by New Zealands Department of Conservation. Informative commentary complete with a good range of tour guides. The Award Winning Black Cat Group is internationally recognised as one of the success stories of the New Zealand tourism industry and an eco-tourism pioneer. We are very pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable experience. As Akaroa Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago, there are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. Sunday June 14 dawned clear and VERY frosty for the last race of the season. Black Cat was the first cruise boat company in the world to get the coveted Green Globe 21, an international programme to ensure best environmental practices. Book your tickets online for Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa: See 1,422 reviews, articles, and 631 photos of Black Cat Cruises, ranked No.8 on Tripadvisor among 16 attractions in Akaroa. We are very pleased to hear that you had an enjoyable experience. We love hearing about our guests experiences out on the water with us and we are so pleased that yours was great! Eventually found several and stayed around the area to ensure all on boat had seen & photographed. About us WHERE WE ARE For those with a mental illness we have never had any issues in the past provided there is good support from friends and family. In the back of the boat you will be able to see the harbour and the dolphins provided they circle the boat, which they normally do. Black Cat Cruises are here to give you one of your most memorable experiences in New Zealand. Our vessel is the largest and most luxurious on the harbour. Would highly recommend this team to anyone looking for a cruise around Akaroa. Hi caughleyp, Thanks a lot for your review and for recommending us! Just 90 minutes from Christchurch, in New Zealand's South Island, the Black Cat Group cruises the scenic extinct volcanic harbour of Akaroa daily.. Join us on a two-hour nature cruise where we guarantee you will see dolphins or come again another day for FREE, you will also see fur seals, penguins and other marine birdlife. We look forward to meeting you and giving you the best stories from the Akaroa Harbour. It is however not the quietest part of the boat when she is travelling at speed because the engines are in the back. See more ideas about New zealand, South island, Akaroa new zealand. If by some chance you do not see dolphins then we will provide a ticket to come again another day. We were the first to offer cruises in Akaroa and we are recognised as New Zealand’s first Eco-tourism operator. Below are more details focused on those in wheelchairs. Once on the Black Cat you will have access to a wide area of the bottom deck at the stern (rear) of the boat. waters up to 100 m in depth. Relax, stretch out and discover the harbour with our award winning Black Cat Cruise team. We’ve invested in proper ramps to enable customers to get on and off the Black Cat with ease. The top deck is only accessible via a relatively steep set of steps. Seen the dolphins lately? One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and a fascinating history, while Nikau Palm Gully is the southernmost limit for these tropical palm trees. Inside there’s a bar and toilets. Our Nature Cruises and Dolphin Swimming experience depart from Akaroa which is only a 90 minute scenic drive from Christchurch. The "face and voice" of one of Akaroa's harbour cruises will be "dearly missed", his boss says. Once in Akaroa continue along Rue Lavaud, which turns into Beach Rd. Scube Diving in Akaroa, Canterbury, New Zealand - … Along the way we've been named as the supreme tourism award winner and also hold the Enviro gold award from Qualmark to recognise our dedication to the environment. The vessels have high rails, however we suggest that children are supervised at all times both for their own safety and for the enjoyment of the other people on board. We’ve invested in proper ramps to enable customers to get on and off the Black Cat with ease. Once on the Black Cat you will have access to a wide area of the bottom deck at the stern (rear) of the boat. We also suggest warm clothes, a hat and sun screen lotion. You also have access to the main cabin of the vessel though this means you have to get over a 30cm lip from the back deck. The guide kept us entertained the whole trip with historical and ecological highlights as well as the odd Dad joke. Along the way we've been named as the supreme tourism award winner and also hold the Enviro gold award from Qualmark to recognise our dedication to the environment. Been for a cruise lately? Please allow enough time for you tender boat to reach the wharf in time for your activity check in. Sorry the toilets on board Black Cat are not wheelchair friendly. The top deck is only accessible via a relatively steep set of steps. Swells were still 3m out at sea but not, unpleasant. Each cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour. Ask about our special family passes available on morning cruises only. The Award Winning Black Cat Group is internationally recognised as one of the success stories of the New Zealand tourism industry and an eco-tourism pioneer. What is the itinerary? We suggest you wear warm clothing. Instagram did not return a 200. 4.4 #2 of 57 in Things to do in Akaroa. They were the first to offer cruises in Akaroa and are recognised as New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator. more, Response from BlackCat_NZ, Manager at Black Cat Cruises, Boat Tours, Eco Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Boat Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Dolphin & Whale Watching, Swim with Dolphins, Eco Tours, Eco Tours, Sightseeing Tours, Nature & Wildlife Tours, Kayaking & Canoeing. We were the first to offer cruises in Akaroa and we are recognised as New Zealand’s first Eco-tourism operator. I highly recommend when visiting Akaroa you do a cruise with Black Cat Cruises. For all enquiries please call us on Also on the trip you will catch glimpses of the White Flippered Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. Black Cat Cruises: Akaroa black cat cruises - See 1,410 traveler reviews, 629 candid photos, and great deals for Akaroa, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Good commentary - yes with Dad jokes but added to the day.