Every page on this site
Every page on AkaroaTours.com in one place. Most visitors start with the tours, then read the guides.
Start here
On the harbour
Plan your trip
Tours
- All tours
- Akaroa Dolphins Harbour Nature CruiseThe most-reviewed cruise in Akaroa: a family catamaran, 35 guests at most, a boat dog and a glass of wine.
- Black Cat Akaroa Harbour Nature CruiseAkaroa's original nature cruise: a big catamaran, up to three sailings a day, and a free re-cruise if no dolphins.
- Swim with Dolphins Day Trip from ChristchurchCoach from Christchurch, a dolphin swim in a 5 mm wetsuit, then cheese at Barrys Bay. October to April only.
- Fox II Sailing & Wildlife CruiseA 1922 kauri ketch under sail: dolphins, seals and sea caves with the engine off. Summer and autumn only.
- Sunrise Sea Kayaking in the Marine ReserveThree hours in a sea kayak at dawn: calm water, sea caves, seals and maybe dolphins. Non-refundable once booked.
- Private Akaroa Day Tour from ChristchurchYour own driver-guide from Christchurch to Akaroa. No cruise included: add one yourself and the guide plans around it.
- Small-Group Akaroa Day with LunchEight guests, a guide, lunch and Banks Peninsula back roads. The dolphin cruise is optional and costs extra.
- Akaroa Nature & History Private TourThree private hours with a seventh-generation local: Takapūneke, Ōnuku and the bays, for your group only.
- Shore Excursion: Harbour Views & Sheep FarmSheepdogs, a shearing demonstration and afternoon tea on a farm, back at the ship in 2.5 hours. Cruise passengers only.
- Shore Excursion: Akaroa to ChristchurchThe tender landing to Christchurch and back: gardens, the rebuilt centre and the coast, with long hours on the coach.
- Shamarra Alpaca Farm TourAn hour feeding and cuddling alpacas on a farm across the harbour. Self-drive only: there's no transport.
Guides
- All guides
- Cruise pricesWhat each harbour trip costs, for adults and for kids.
- Dolphin swimSeason, water temperature, ages and the rules in the water.
- Black Cat vs Akaroa DolphinsTwo harbour cruises, two hours each. Here is how they differ.
- Day trip from ChristchurchThe drive, the shuttles and the tours that include a cruise.
- Shore excursionsTenders, ship days and what fits between the boats.
- Akaroa with kidsAges, fares, babies on boats, alpacas and penguins.
Blog
- All posts
- The 2026-27 dolphin swim seasonSeason dates, water by month, prices and the new check-in.
- Akaroa Main Wharf rebuildWhere each boat now boards, parking, the timeline.
- Cruise-ship days 2026-27Ship dates, tenders, and which shore tours fit.
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Quick answers
- Can you swim with dolphins in Akaroa?
- Are dolphins guaranteed on an Akaroa harbour cruise?
- How much does an Akaroa dolphin cruise cost?
- Black Cat or Akaroa Dolphins: which cruise is better?
- How far is Akaroa from Christchurch?
- Is an Akaroa day trip from Christchurch worth it?
- How cold is the water for the dolphin swim?
- What is the minimum age to swim with dolphins in Akaroa?
- Where do Akaroa cruises leave from in 2026?
- What are the best Akaroa shore excursions for cruise passengers?
- Can I cancel an Akaroa tour?