We have a high success rate with dolphin sightings all year round, as we are in a hotspot for the Hector's dolphins. However, as the dolphins are wild we can never guarantee to see them. If your tour does not see a dolphin, you will be offered another trip free of charge. No refunds will be given in the event of not seeing dolphins.

*Dolphin Guarantee: If you don’t see any dolphins on your first cruise, you’ll receive a return cruise ticket, valid for 6 months, at no extra cost.

There is no rhyme or reason with the Hector's dolphins within Akaroa Harbour, it is best to pick the time that works for you. Hector’s dolphins are wild animals, so sightings can’t be guaranteed ~ but Akaroa Dolphins has one of the highest sighting rates in Akaroa Harbour thanks to our experienced crew and stable catamaran. To learn more, CLICK HERE!

No, for conservation reasons we do not swim with dolphins. Instead, we offer an exclusive and intimate 2-hour harbour cruise on our luxurious stable catamaran. Our tours focus on responsible, respectful viewing rather than intrusive interactions. For more information on why we do not swim with dolphins CLICK HERE

The dolphins are incredibly curious about our boats and enjoy coming over to investigate. As responsible boaters, we allow the dolphins to come to us, and don't impose on their space.

Please note, that we are holders of a New Zealand Department of Conservation Marine Mammal Viewing Permit, meaning we are legally allowed to take guests on dolphin and seal viewing tours. We are also a SMART 'Sustainable Marine Mammal Actions in Recreation and Tourism' operator who has had extensive training in how to interact with marine mammals.

The Akaroa Dolphins wildlife nature cruise lasts 2 hours. Please allow an additional 30 minutes before departure for check-in. During the cruise, you’ll explore the spectacular Akaroa Harbour, with opportunities to spot dolphins, seabirds, and other unique wildlife, while your skipper provides live commentary about the area’s fascinating wildlife, natural environment, and history.

Please collect your tickets from our booking office at 65 Beach Road (Waterfront), Akaroa, no later than 30 minutes prior to departure.

Boarding takes place 15 minutes before departure at Drummonds Jetty, which is just a 1-minute walk from our booking office.

Please note that Akaroa Main Wharf will officially close on 22 June 2026 and is expected to reopen around mid-2027. This will not affect our operations. During this period, all passenger boarding and disembarkation will take place at Drummonds Jetty.

In accordance with New Zealand Maritime law and due to the size of our vessel, wearing life jackets is not mandatory. However, if you'd like your little ones to wear one for peace of mind or in case of an emergency, we have plenty available on board. The crew is always ready to assist in putting them on.

Yes, Akaroa Dolphins offers cruises year-round (weather permitting) with seasonal schedules.

Most of our cruises take place within the sheltered waters of Akaroa Harbour. However, when conditions are favourable and the dolphins are outside the harbour ~ which is often the case during the cooler winter months ~ we love heading beyond the harbour entrance. The scenery along the coastline is truly spectacular!

We don’t travel far offshore; we remain close to the coastline throughout the journey, allowing you to enjoy the dramatic volcanic landscapes, wildlife, and views of Banks Peninsula.

Our vessel is a catamaran, which provides a flatter and more stable ride than a traditional single-hulled boat. This design helps create a smoother and more comfortable experience for our guests.

If you are prone to motion sickness, we recommend visiting your local pharmacy before your cruise to purchase a seasickness remedy and taking it prior to departure. Once onboard, our friendly crew can advise on the best place to sit, as some areas of the boat experience less movement than others.

A complimentary beverage, including wine, beer, soft drink or orange juice, along with some home baking, is included in your fare. We also have further drinks on board for sale.

Please note, that guests are welcome to bring their own snacks on board, however, we ask you not to bring hot food e.g. fish and chips. Our home baking at this stage is not gluten-free.

Unfortunately, we don't have gluten-free options, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks on board. However, we don't recommend bringing hot food eg fish and chips.

If you are susceptible to motion sickness, we suggest visiting the chemist and purchasing seasick aid to take prior to your cruise. Once onboard chat with our crew about where the best place on the boat is to be, as certain spots do move less than others. We also have a few tricks up our sleeves to help with motion sickness ~ so don’t be shy to mention to our crew if you do feel a little under the weather.

Yes!

Please be aware that the bathroom on our catamaran is unfortunately not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. It is located just inside the main cabin, but accessing this area requires navigating a small, raised door frame due to Maritime NZ safety requirements when building our catamaran.

We encourage guests to use the wheelchair-accessible bathroom facilities located just before the main wharf before boarding.

Our cruises are always dependent on the sea and weather conditions. Our staff constantly monitor the weather and respond professionally to any changes. Passenger comfort and safety are always our utmost priority, this may mean a tour is cancelled at any stage if we feel it necessary. If it is our decision to cancel a cruise, either a full refund or transfer to another cruise will be offered.

Please contact us by phone or email to inform our team of any disabilities, mobility, or medical conditions at the time of booking, including if someone is in a wheelchair, so we can ensure the best possible experience, considering sea conditions and optimal seating arrangements.

We happily cater to passengers with disabilities and welcome customers in wheelchairs with an able-bodied companion. As our vessel sits flush with the wharf when boarding, there are no steps that need to be negotiated. Please note though that due to the width of the gate on the vessels, it may mean that wheelchairs need to be lifted onto the boat. Due to this, wheelchair passengers may need to be briefly out of their wheelchairs – please don’t feel discouraged by this though as our crew are there to help, and once on board, there is room to move around in your wheelchair outside in the lower deck, here there are no steps to negotiate with.

Please note, the width of the gate on our 'Akaroa Dolphin' catamaran is 710 mm wide, and ‘Into the Blue’ is 560 mm.

We encourage guests to use the wheelchair-accessible bathroom facilities located at the Britomart Reserve before boarding. 

Disabled parking spaces are available around the wharf area and along Beach Road, however, please be aware spaces may be limited, especially at peak times. Additional parking is available at the Gaiety Hall, Rue Jolie, Akaroa, 7520, which offers free parking for up to 8 hours. Here is a link to the location. This location is a 3-minute walk from our ticketing office and a further 2-minute walk to the main wharf for boarding.

As much as we love dogs here at Akaroa Dolphins, we are unable to accommodate our guests' dogs on our cruises. The main reason is that our dolphin spotting dogs have a job to do and are easily distracted from doing this when other dogs are around.

Akaroa Dolphins is the premium choice for dolphin and wildlife cruises in Akaroa, offering boutique, award-winning nature tours, luxury vessels, and an excellent opportunity to see Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest oceanic dolphin species. With an experienced and friendly crew, informative live commentary, and a strong commitment to responsible wildlife encounters, Akaroa Dolphins delivers a memorable Akaroa Harbour dolphin cruise, showcasing the region’s unique marine life, spectacular scenery, natural environment, and rich history.

Akaroa Dolphins is based in Akaroa, not Lyttelton. Since 2022, most cruise ships visiting the region arrive at Lyttelton Port, which is approximately a 90-minute drive from Akaroa.

If your cruise ship does arrive in Akaroa Harbour, you will travel ashore by tender boat and arrive at Drummonds Jetty, located close to Akaroa Dolphins.

After disembarking your tender:

• Walk to the very end of Drummonds Jetty.
• Turn right and look for the orange flags on the roof and Akaroa Dolphins signage.
• This is where you can collect your boarding passes.
• Boarding for your dolphin and wildlife cruise takes place directly back on Drummonds Jetty.

Booking the 10:15 am Cruise
If you have booked our 10:15 am Akaroa Dolphins cruise, we recommend taking one of the first tenders ashore from your cruise ship. This allows plenty of time to reach our location, collect your boarding passes, and be ready for departure without rushing.

Cruise Ship Cancellation
If your cruise ship is unable to enter Akaroa Harbour due to unforeseen circumstances, we will provide a full refund for your Akaroa Dolphins booking. Please contact us if your cruise ship does not make it into the harbour.

Unfortunately, we do not allow the use of drones on our cruises, as a permit for use is required from the Department of Conservation. In addition, we have made this decision to prioritise the safety and enjoyment of other guests onboard.     

Akaroa Dolphins offers a premium dolphin and wildlife cruise experience in Akaroa Harbour, New Zealand, combining exceptional wildlife encounters, knowledgeable local guides, purpose-designed vessels, and a strong commitment to marine conservation. Here are some of the reasons Akaroa Dolphins stands out:

A long-standing commitment to marine conservation ~ Akaroa Dolphins supported and helped establish the Akaroa Marine Reserve, reflecting our deep and ongoing commitment to protecting Akaroa Harbour and its unique marine environment.

Purpose-designed for dolphin watching and our unique area ~ We operate Akaroa’s most stable purpose-designed dolphin-watching boats, providing a comfortable and secure platform for viewing Hector’s dolphins and other marine wildlife in Akaroa Harbour.

A premium Akaroa dolphin cruise experience ~ From friendly, attentive service to knowledgeable local crew and informative live commentary, we focus on the details that make your Akaroa wildlife cruise memorable from start to finish.

Smaller groups, more personal encounters ~ Smaller group sizes create a more relaxed and intimate experience, giving you more space to enjoy Hector’s dolphins, seabirds, and other wildlife while taking in the spectacular scenery of Akaroa Harbour.

B Corp Certified ~ As a B Corp Certified business, we meet rigorous global standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and responsible business practices.

100% Locally owned and operated ~ As a local family business, Akaroa Dolphins is deeply connected to Akaroa’s history, community, marine environment, and wildlife, giving guests an authentic local experience.

Highly rated by travellers worldwide ~ Akaroa Dolphins is consistently highly rated on Tripadvisor and other major review platforms, with thousands of travellers choosing us for their Akaroa dolphin and wildlife cruise.

Whether you're visiting Akaroa, exploring Banks Peninsula, or staying locally, Akaroa Dolphins offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the wildlife, scenery, history, and natural beauty of Akaroa Harbour.

To find out more about what sets us apart, CLICK HERE!

Absolutely! Your skipper delivers full, in-depth commentary that truly brings the harbour to life. Enjoy continuous, detailed narration covering everything from fascinating stories about local wildlife and the surrounding natural environment to rich, engaging insights into the harbour’s history and heritage. Every moment onboard is informative and immersive. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, our knowledgeable crew ensures you leave with a thorough understanding and a deeper appreciation of the area.

Yes, as there can be a high demand for our tours, therefore, we advise you to book in advance. To make a booking click here.

We warmly welcome passengers of all ages, from newborns and babies to toddlers, school-aged children and seniors, so the whole family can enjoy the experience together. Our large, stable vessels have secure railings, a choice of comfortable indoor and outdoor areas, and plenty of space for pushchairs.

We have life jackets on board for passengers of all ages, including specially sized jackets for infants and children. Your little ones are very welcome on board ~ we simply ask that young children are supervised by a responsible adult at all times, so everyone can relax and enjoy the cruise safely.

Please be on time. If you are late, you will not receive a refund or be able to join your harbour cruise. Like a plane, your cruise will leave as scheduled whether you are there or not. We expect you to arrive 30 minutes prior to the departure time to pick up your tickets, and boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure. If you are running late for reasons outside of your control, please make contact as soon as possible in order to find a solution.

Cancellations by the guest must be made no later than 24 hours prior to departure. Any cancellations after this time will incur the full cost of the cruise. No charge applies to any booking changes made up to 24 hours before departure.

For groups over 6 and Private Charters please note, cancellations must be made no later than 7 days prior to departure in order to receive your deposit refund. Cancellations made within 7 days prior to your booking will incur the full cost of the cruise.

To cancel or change your booking please contact us by either calling +64 3 304 7866 or emailing us at cruise@akaroadolphins.co.nz

We reserve the right to cancel or change a tour or to replace any vessels at any time. Weather and sea conditions can change quickly and this may alter the status of your tour up to the time of departure. If your cruise is cancelled by Akaroa Dolphins, you will be entitled to a full refund or be able to hop on the next available cruise.

You can park for free (including campervans) at the Gaiety Hall, Rue Jolie, Akaroa, 7520, for up to 8 hours. It is a 3-minute walk from our ticketing office. Here is a link to GOOGLE MAPS.

Please allow plenty of time to find a car park in case the Gaiety Hall is full, and you need to find back street parking instead. 

In Akaroa, you don't need to pay for parking, but along the waterfront, there are time limits on parking. That's why we suggest finding a back street park.

Please note, that campervans are not allowed to park on the waterfront.

We suggest bringing along warm clothing, as even on summer days you just never know when there could be a cool sea breeze. We also recommend bringing a hat and sunscreen. Don’t worry if you get caught out though, we have lovely warm jackets and sunscreen on board for our passengers to use. Oh, and of course don’t forget your camera!

You can book directly through the Akaroa Dolphins ~ Official Website. Booking online ensures the best availability and the most up-to-date schedule.