Most reviewedAkaroa Dolphins Harbour Nature Cruise
The most-reviewed cruise in Akaroa: a family catamaran, 35 guests at most, a boat dog and a glass of wine.
Dolphins: Watch only; free return cruise if none
Eleven trips in and around Akaroa, sorted by what you actually do: watch the dolphins, get in the water, come for the day from Christchurch, or step off a cruise ship. Each one has its own page with the day, the fine print and what guests say.
Two hours on the harbour, all year, any age. No promises, but good odds.
Most reviewedThe most-reviewed cruise in Akaroa: a family catamaran, 35 guests at most, a boat dog and a glass of wine.
Dolphins: Watch only; free return cruise if none
Lowest priceAkaroa's original nature cruise: a big catamaran, up to three sailings a day, and a free re-cruise if no dolphins.
Dolphins: Watch only; free re-cruise voucher if none
Under sailA 1922 kauri ketch under sail: dolphins, seals and sea caves with the engine off. Summer and autumn only.
Dolphins: Watch only; refund or free trip if none
Swim with the dolphins, or paddle out to them at dawn.
In the waterCoach from Christchurch, a dolphin swim in a 5 mm wetsuit, then cheese at Barrys Bay. October to April only.
Dolphins: Swim, Oct to Apr; not guaranteed
PaddleThree hours in a sea kayak at dawn: calm water, sea caves, seals and maybe dolphins. Non-refundable once booked.
Dolphins: Possible; not guaranteed
A driver, the crater-rim road and a day in Akaroa. Check whether the cruise is included.
Private carYour own driver-guide from Christchurch to Akaroa. No cruise included: add one yourself and the guide plans around it.
Dolphins: No (cruise not included)
Lunch includedEight guests, a guide, lunch and Banks Peninsula back roads. The dolphin cruise is optional and costs extra.
Dolphins: Optional cruise, extra cost
Short tours that start at the tender landing and get you back on time.
Cruise passengersSheepdogs, a shearing demonstration and afternoon tea on a farm, back at the ship in 2.5 hours. Cruise passengers only.
Dolphins: No
Port to cityThe tender landing to Christchurch and back: gardens, the rebuilt centre and the coast, with long hours on the coach.
Dolphins: No
The story of the harbour, and an alpaca farm for the afternoon.
Local historyThree private hours with a seventh-generation local: Takapūneke, Ōnuku and the bays, for your group only.
Dolphins: No
Cross-sellAn hour feeding and cuddling alpacas on a farm across the harbour. Self-drive only: there's no transport.
Dolphins: No