Sail Akaroa Harbour on the Fox II

About this experience

The Fox II was launched in Auckland in 1922 as a cargo boat and has carried passengers on Akaroa Harbour for more than 30 years. Its own site calls it New Zealand's oldest working gaff-rigged ketch. The trip leaves Daly's Wharf at 10:30 am or 1:30 pm, motors out, then goes under sail for the dolphins, the shag colonies, Cathedral Cave and the cliffs. Viator lists 2 hours 45 minutes; the operator says about three hours. There's a heated indoor cabin and spare coats on board.

This is the one cruise in Akaroa that puts a promise in writing: if you see no dolphins, you get a 100% refund or a free trip. The dolphins are still wild, and some days they're elusive; guests have written about the crew searching hard before finding them. The sail is the other draw. With the engine off you hear the dolphins breathe, and reviewers mention the crew playing music on board. Up to 30 people on board.

Check the calendar before you plan around it. The operator says the boat spends part of the year away from Akaroa, returning on 17 December and running wildlife cruises from December to May. It's an old sailboat: no wheelchairs, no prams, and you need to be steady enough to step aboard. Direct prices are NZ$140 per adult, NZ$125 for seniors and NZ$70 per child, with a family fare of NZ$355. Viator lists it from $84 in US dollars, and confirms bookings within 48 hours, not instantly.

• A 1922 kauri ketch, under sail with the engine off
• Refund or a free trip if you see no dolphins
• Help hoist the sails if you like
• Cathedral Cave, shag colonies and waterfalls
• Heated cabin and spare coats on board

How the day runs

1. Before departureMeet at Daly's Wharf

   2 Rue Balguerie, at the north end of the waterfront. Sailings leave at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.

2. First 30 minMotor out and raise the sails

   The crew sets the six sails; guests can lend a hand on the ropes.

3. Under sailLook for dolphins

   With the engine off, the boat drifts and tacks while everyone watches for small rounded fins.

4. Outer harbourCaves and cliffs

   Cathedral Cave, the nikau gully and waterfall, shags on the ledges and seals on the rocks.

5. Last hourHot drinks and home

   Tea, coffee or hot chocolate with biscuits on the sail back to Daly's Wharf.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Check the boat's dates before you build a trip around it. The operator lists Akaroa wildlife cruises from December to May.
• Book the 10:30 am sailing if you're catching an afternoon bus back to Christchurch. The operator says the same.
• Bring a hat with a string. Wind on a sailboat takes loose hats straight into the harbour.
• Ask to help with the sails. The crew welcomes it, and it's the best seat on the boat.
• Seniors get their own fare on Viator (60+), so tick the right box.

Read next:

• Cruise prices
• Black Cat vs Akaroa Dolphins

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

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