Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Name: Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Price: 125 NZD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.75 (333 reviews)

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Cruise through the stunning Akaroa Harbour and encounter some of New Zealand’s most unique marine wildlife, including the rare Hector’s dolphin, NZ fur seals, penguins, and seabirds. Set aboard a spacious, modern catamaran with large viewing decks and indoor seating, this award-winning nature cruise offers comfort, panoramic views, and expert commentary from your knowledgeable skipper. You’ll explore an ancient volcanic crater, marvel at towering 500-foot sea cliffs and vibrant rock formations. Learn about local conservation efforts and Akaroa’s rich Māori and European history. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and a free postcard. With guaranteed departures (weather permitting), it’s a must-do for nature and wildlife lovers and families alike. As New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator, we’re proud to support the dolphin protection efforts alongside the Department of Conservation and the NZ Whale & Dolphin Trust. Your ticket directly supports this work.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

See rare Hector’s dolphins up close in the wild, along with NZ fur seals, little blue penguins, albatross, and other native seabirds on this award-winning cruise. Board a spacious, modern catamaran with two open viewing decks, indoor seating, and onboard facilities. Travel through Akaroa Harbour, an ancient volcanic crater, as your expert skipper shares insights into the region’s marine life, conservation, and rich Māori and European history. Marvel at 500-foot cliffs, the vibrant colours of Scenery Nook, and the southernmost grove of native Nikau palms. Enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and take home a free postcard. Cruises run daily all year (apart from Christmas Day), weather permitting. A New Zealand must-do for nature and wildlife lovers. Complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and postcard included.

What‘s Included

2-hour nature cruise

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Wildlife viewing

Postcard

Tea, coffee or hot chocolate

Full on-board commentary

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop off

Options

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

Reviews

4.75

333 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

284

Go for the views of the harbour, not the dolpins
silveranicore,,Jan 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00
The crew were very friendly and gave some interesting commentary about the harbour, so I'm not blaming them for the mid experience at all. Having a free beverage on board was nice. But the dolphin pictures have a taste of false advertising... Hector dolphins don't appear to be the dolphins you can really count on seeing, as they stayed mostly underwater to feed and also don't travel in pods. So you might be unlucky, as was our boat. Saw a few seals, the salmon farm, and that's it. Would recommend it to friends if the price was lower.
Epic cruise
Sunshine62440213989,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
best value for money and a great cruise. The crew were awesome especially Coco and Jessie. Captain Rob was really knowledgeable and took us to see bottle nose dolphins - who are only in the harbour twice a year. We saw hector dolphins and seals and sea caves and it was epic.
Excellent!
antoniaholmes,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent! We saw a pod bottle nose dolphins as well as the little hectors. We also saw lots of seals, including some babies. What a treat! The skipper and his crew were great. His commentary was both informative and funny, good sense of humour. The crew were very attentive and friendly. Loved every minute, thanks.
Fabulous experience
Passport13536940571,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Well with the experience. The crew were very knowledgeable about the area and the nature. Made sure we saw as much as we could in the time we were out in the Harbour.
Amazing experience, great value
Geraldine S,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very knowledgeable captain on all the history,geography and nature. Dolphins seals and birds. Totally worth it and great value for money..Cute dog and great attentive staff who offered a drink and refreshment. Highly recommend 👌
Perfect trip
vincentlC4250JK,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Was a great informative trip - it felt longer than 2 hours in the best way, moving around the harbour, finding the dolphins and other animals. All while learning about the history of the harbour and taking in breathtaking scenery.
Don’t forget your sunscreen!
tashin0zi,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
A stunning day on the water with a humorous Captain and helpful crew. We saw Hector’s Dolphins, sea lions, and amazing scenery. A great boat with plenty of room and basic food and drink. Would highly recommend.
Awesome
Navigate52948544359,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The wild life was great and so was the scenery along the Harbour. Akaroa is a beautiful place with an abundance to do. Was great seeing the dolphins, seals and the cliff formations.
Fantastic!
Cristel B,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic day, saw lots of dolphins and some beautiful scenery. Commentary was well done. It was a lovely smooth day out on the water. Highly recommend!
Akaroa turned on the weather and the wildlife and the crew turned on the service.
mrswillies,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thank you Thomas, Alex and Grace for an awesome nature harbour trip. The day was warm, the sea clam and clear and the wildlife played ball. Not every trip might be this way, but ours was and it was the perfect way to spend a couple of hours on the water. I would recommend taking a jumper and finding a spot on the bow, it has the best views but even in a beautiful day can be cool in the wind. Sunscreen and a hat are a must! Also if you buy your tickets online and have a preference for where you sit make sure you check-in at the office before you line up otherwise you have to go back to the office to check in and end up at the back of the line.