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Home / Guides

Akaroa tour guides

Everything to sort out before you book in Akaroa: what the cruises cost, whether to swim or watch, which boat, how to get there from Christchurch, cruise-ship days and travelling with children.

Akaroa Dolphin Cruise Prices 2026: What Each Trip CostsWhat each harbour trip costs, for adults and for kids.Read the guide →Swimming with Dolphins in Akaroa 2026: Season, Rules, CostSeason, water temperature, ages and the rules in the water.Read the guide →Black Cat vs Akaroa Dolphins 2026: Which Cruise to BookTwo harbour cruises, two hours each. Here is how they differ.Read the guide →Akaroa Day Trip from Christchurch 2026: Drive, Bus or TourThe drive, the shuttles and the tours that include a cruise.Read the guide →Akaroa Shore Excursions 2026: What Fits Between TendersTenders, ship days and what fits between the boats.Read the guide →Akaroa with Kids 2026: Dolphins, Penguins and AlpacasAges, fares, babies on boats, alpacas and penguins.Read the guide →

Tours

Choose your harbour trip

The three trips most people choose between. Every tour has its own page with the day, the fine print and what guests say.

Black Cat Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise Lowest price ★ 4.72 hoursFree cancellation

Black Cat Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Big catamaranUp to 3 dailyHot drinks

The harbour's original wildlife cruise, on a 20-metre catamaran that sails up to three times a day. See no dolphins and Black Cat gives you a free voucher to go again.

What's included
  • Two-hour cruise with full commentary
  • Tea, coffee or hot chocolate
  • Free re-cruise voucher if no dolphins are seen
  • No hotel pickup: meet in Akaroa
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$76per person Reserve
Akaroa Dolphins Harbour Nature Cruise Most reviewed ★ 5.02 hoursFree cancellation

Akaroa Dolphins Harbour Nature Cruise
Small catamaranWine or beerBoat dog

A family-run catamaran, capped at 35 guests, with a dog on the bow that helps spot the dolphins. A glass of local wine or beer and a homemade cookie come with the two hours.

What's included
  • Two-hour cruise to the harbour heads and back
  • Skipper and guide commentary
  • One drink: beer, New Zealand wine or a soft drink
  • Homemade cookie
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Full tour details
From$81per person Reserve
Swim with Dolphins Day Trip from Christchurch In the water ★ 3.89 hoursFree cancellation 6+ days

Swim with Dolphins Day Trip from Christchurch
Wetsuit includedAges 8+Oct to Apr

Coach from Christchurch, a dolphin swim on Akaroa Harbour in a borrowed wetsuit, then cheese at Barrys Bay. Wild animals set the rules: some days you swim once, some days not at all.

What's included
  • Hotel pickup in Christchurch, 8:30 am
  • Wetsuit, mask and snorkel
  • Cheese tasting at Barrys Bay
  • Lunch not included
  • Full refund up to 6 days before
Full tour details
From$224per person Reserve

Plan your date before you go

Two hours on a small catamaran with a local family, a dolphin-spotting dog and a glass of New Zealand wine. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the Akaroa Dolphins cruise