Did you know Akaroa’s Dolphins helped make the Akaroa Marine Reserve a reality?    

Akaroa Dolphins were key advocates from the very beginning, inspiring a group of passionate locals to come together and form The Akaroa Harbour Marine Protection Society.

What followed was a 20 ~ year journey, fought through four different governments, before success was finally achieved in 2013. If you’ve joined an Akaroa Dolphins cruise, you’ve probably heard this story before, because education is key to why we do what we do and how we protect this incredible place.

From our daily observations over the past almost 12 years, since the marine reserve opened, we have recorded our most frequent sightings of Hector’s dolphins are now within the marine reserve, a powerful reminder of what long term commitment and community action can achieve.

Teach the story, guard the treasure.


“No one will protect what they don't care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced.” ~ Sir David Attenborough

We want to restart people caring for the environment… through adventure, through participation, through education and through enjoyment". ~ Sir Peter Blake

This is conservation in action!