Discover the magic of Akaroa Harbour with Akaroa Dolphins, a locally owned and operated family business offering an unforgettable two-hour harbour nature cruise.

Step aboard our purpose-built, modern catamaran, designed for comfort, stability and an exceptional wildlife viewing experience. With a maximum of 35 ~ 45 passengers, our cruises offer a personal and relaxed way to explore the spectacular scenery of Banks Peninsula.

Our experienced, passionate crew will share fascinating insights into the region's unique wildlife, history and volcanic landscapes as we search for the endangered Hector's dolphins, the world's smallest and rarest marine dolphins. You may also encounter playful New Zealand fur seals, penguins, albatross and other incredible marine wildlife.

With deep family connections to Akaroa spanning eight generations, we are proud to share our beautiful harbour while supporting conservation and our local community.

Join us for an authentic, memorable and uniquely personal Akaroa experience!

Option One: 10:15 AM Cruise

 

Morning: An Early Start and Scenic Cruise

→ 7:45 AM ~ Depart from Christchurch
Start your day early and make your way from Christchurch towards the beautiful Banks Peninsula. The drive to Akaroa takes around 1½ hours, so allow plenty of time for the winding roads, beautiful views and a relaxed journey.

→ 9:15 AM ~ Arrive in Akaroa
Start your morning with a coffee at Crater Cafe, and pick up a freshly baked pain au chocolat from A la Baguette.

→ 9:30 AM ~ Walk along the Waterfront
Stroll along Akaroa’s beautiful waterfront towards the booking office, taking in the charming French-inspired buildings and village atmosphere along the way. 

10.15 am Mid-Morning Cruise with Akaroa Dolphins

→ 9:45 AM ~ Check-in at our Booking Office: Finish your coffee and allow a few minutes to stroll down to our booking office for check-in.

→ 10:00 AM ~ Boarding: Head to Drummonds Jetty to step aboard and enjoy your Akaroa Harbour Cruise, with the afternoon ahead to take in the scenery from the water.

→ 10:15 AM - 12:15 PM ~ Cruise with Akaroa Dolphins: Set sail for a two-hour cruise through the sheltered waters of Akaroa Harbour, keeping an eye out for the area’s famous Hector’s dolphins. Along the way, enjoy dramatic volcanic landscapes, rugged coastline, and secluded bays while learning more about the harbour, its history and wildlife. 

Afternoon: Lunch & Giants House 

→ 12:15 PM ~ Lunch in the Heart of Akaroa: After your morning on the water, take some time to enjoy a relaxed lunch in the heart of Akaroa. Choose from local favourites such as The Common, Bully Hayes, or Ma Maison, with plenty of time to refuel before your afternoon exploring.

→ 1:00 PM ~ Exploring the Giant's House: Spend the afternoon discovering The Giant’s House, a colourful sculpture garden and historic home filled with mosaics, quirky characters, and imaginative artworks. Wander through the gardens at your own pace and take in the playful details around every corner.

Late Afternoon - Shopping & Drive Back

→ 2:00 PM ~ Browse Akaroa’s Shops & Galleries: Take some time to wander through Akaroa before heading home. Browse the waterfront shops, discover local art and crafts, or visit the Blue Pearl Gallery next to the pharmacy for a glimpse of New Zealand’s unique blue pearls. 

→ 3:00 PM ~ Depart Akaroa: Begin the drive back towards Christchurch, taking your time to enjoy the scenery as you leave the harbour and wind your way through Banks Peninsula.

→ 3:20 PM ~ Barry's Bay Cheese Factory: Make a quick stop at Barry’s Bay Cheese for locally made cheese and a taste of the peninsula before continuing your journey.

→ 5:00 PM ~ Arrive back in Christchurch.

Option Two: 12:45 PM Cruise

Morning: Scenic Roads & French Charm

→ 8:30 AM ~ Scenic Drive over the Crater: Leave Christchurch and take State Highway 75 towards Akaroa. Be sure to stop at Hilltop Lookout for a postcard-worthy panorama before making your descent into Akaroa.

→ 10:00 AM ~ Arrive in Akaroa and park near the waterfront. Start your morning with a coffee at Crater Cafe Akaroa, and pick up a freshly baked pain au chocolat from A la baguette. Then stroll along Rue Lavaud.

→ 10:30 AM ~ Step Back in Time at Akaroa Museum: Before heading out onto the harbour, take a little time to discover the story behind the town at Akaroa Museum. Explore stories of Māori history, European settlement, whaling and everyday life, along with historic photographs and objects.

Midday: Early Lunch & Boarding

→ 11:30 AM ~ Early Lunch by the Harbour: After exploring the museum, settle in for an early lunch before your afternoon on the water. For a relaxed meal, choose The Common, Bully Hayes, or Ma Maison.

→ 12:15 PM ~ Check-in at our Booking Office: Finish lunch and allow a few minutes to stroll down to our booking office for Check-in.

→ 12:30 PM ~ Boarding: Head to Drummonds Jetty to step aboard and enjoy your Akaroa Harbour cruise, with the afternoon ahead to take in the scenery from the water.

12.45 pm Afternoon Cruise with Akaroa Dolphins

→ 12:45 PM - 2:45 PM ~ Cruise with Akaroa Dolphins: Set sail for a two-hour cruise through the sheltered waters of Akaroa Harbour, keeping an eye out for the area’s famous Hector’s dolphins. Along the way, enjoy dramatic volcanic landscapes, rugged coastline, and secluded bays while learning more about the harbour and its wildlife. 

→ 2:45 PM ~ Back on the Jetty

Late Afternoon: Shopping, Pearls & Local Cheese

→ 3:00 PM ~ Akaroa Lighthouse
Take a stroll up to the Akaroa Lighthouse and enjoy the views; if you're visiting over the weekend, take some time to look inside.

→ 3:15 PM ~ Blue Pearl Gallery
Stop by Blue Pearl Gallery to say hello to Lucy, their adorable Springer Spaniel! Take a look at the beautiful blue pearls grown right here in Akaroa Harbour.

→ 3:30 PM ~ Drive Back to Christchurch
Set off for Christchurch, with a stop along the way at Barry's Bay Cheese. Take some time to sample their selection of locally made cheeses before continuing your journey home.

Option Three: 3:15 PM Cruise Time

Morning: Scenic Drive & A Relaxed Morning in Akaroa

→ 9:00 AM ~ Depart Christchurch
Take a leisurely morning drive from Christchurch towards Akaroa, following State Highway 75 through the rolling landscapes of Banks Peninsula. 

→ 10:30 AM ~ Arrive in Akaroa
Once you arrive, park near the village and take some time to explore Akaroa at your own pace. Grab a coffee from one of the local cafés and wander along Rue Lavaud, where you’ll find charming historic buildings, galleries, boutiques and local shops.

→ 11:15 AM ~ Explore the Waterfront
Take a relaxed stroll along the Akaroa waterfront and enjoy views across the harbour. Keep an eye out for the historic Akaroa Lighthouse and take a few moments to enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere before lunch.

Midday: Lunch & Local Flavours

→ 12:00 PM ~ Lunch in Akaroa
Settle in for a leisurely lunch before your afternoon cruise. Choose from local favourites such as The Common, Bully Hayes or Ma Maison, or pick up something light from L'Escargot Rouge and enjoy it by the waterfront.

→ 1:00 PM ~ Discover Akaroa’s Local Shops & Galleries
Spend some time browsing Akaroa’s independent shops and galleries. Discover local artwork & visit the Blue Pearl Gallery to learn more about the unique blue pearls grown in the waters of Akaroa Harbour.

→ 2:00 PM ~ Choose Your Pre-Cruise Stop
With plenty of time before your cruise, choose how you’d like to spend the final part of your afternoon. Visit Akaroa Museum to learn about the area’s Māori and European history, take a peaceful walk along the waterfront, or find a sunny spot for a final coffee before heading to the office.

3.15 pm Afternoon Cruise with Akaroa Dolphins

→ 2:45 PM ~ Check-in at our Booking Office
Make your way to our booking office and collect your tickets.

→ 3:00 PM ~ Boarding
Head to Drummonds Jetty and step aboard, ready for an afternoon exploring the beautiful waters of Akaroa Harbour.

→ 3:15 PM - 5:15 PM ~ Cruise with Akaroa Dolphins
Set sail on a two-hour cruise through the sheltered waters of Akaroa Harbour. Along the way, learn more about the harbour, its wildlife and the unique landscape that makes Banks Peninsula so special.

Evening: Scenic Drive Back to Christchurch

→ 5:15 PM ~ Depart Akaroa
After your cruise, begin the scenic journey back towards Christchurch. As the afternoon light settles over Banks Peninsula, enjoy the winding roads and spectacular views across the peninsula.

→ 6:45 PM ~ Arrive Back in Christchurch
Arrive back in Christchurch after a relaxed day exploring Akaroa, from its French-inspired streets and local galleries to the spectacular scenery and wildlife of the harbour.

Other highlights we recommend visiting while you are here:

Pōhatu Penguins ~ www.pohatu.co.nz

Pōhatu Penguins offers wildlife tours to Pōhatu/Flea Bay, home to a colony of little penguins (kororā). Enjoy stunning Banks Peninsula scenery while learning about the penguins, their habitat and local conservation efforts.

Shamarra Alpacas ~ www.shamarra-alpacas.co.nz

Shamarra Alpacas is a family-friendly alpaca farm set in the hills above Akaroa Harbour. Meet, feed and cuddle the friendly alpacas while enjoying spectacular Banks Peninsula views and learning about alpaca farming and fibre.

Garden of Tāne ~ https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/banks-peninsula-parks-reserves/garden-of-tane

Garden of Tāne is a peaceful 4.9-hectare reserve just a short walk from Akaroa’s town centre. Wander through mature exotic trees and regenerating native bush, with walking tracks, a children’s playground and beautiful harbour views.

Takapūneke ~ www.takapuneke.nz

Takapūneke is a historic site on the shores of Akaroa Harbour, rich in Māori and European history. Once an important Ngāi Tahu settlement, it is now a peaceful reserve with beautiful harbour views and significant cultural heritage.

Fisherman's Bay Garden ~ www.fishermansbay.nz

Fishermans Bay Garden is a beautiful coastal garden near Akaroa, showcasing native and exotic plants in a peaceful setting overlooking the harbour. It’s a lovely place to explore, relax and enjoy Banks Peninsula’s natural beauty.

Akaroa Butchery ~ www.akaroabutchery.nz

Akaroa Butchery is a much-loved local butcher offering quality, locally sourced meat, homemade smallgoods and delicious ready-to-cook options. A great stop for picking up local produce and supplies while exploring Akaroa.

Pot Pourri ~ www.potpourri.shop

 
Pot Pourri is a much-loved family-owned Akaroa shop offering handmade fudge, women’s fashion, beautiful homewares, gifts, souvenirs and children’s toys. It’s a great place to browse for a special gift or taste their famous homemade fudge.

Emma Perrin Art ~  www.emmaperrin.art

 
Emma Perrin Art is a charming studio and shop in Akaroa featuring Emma Perrin’s colourful, whimsical illustrations, greeting cards and nursery prints, inspired by New Zealand’s nature and wildlife.

Why leave? With incredible accommodation and restaurants, stay longer than a day trip ~ stay for a week.
 

A Short Summary of an Akaroa Day Trip from Christchurch

A scenic full-day escape from Christchurch, with harbour views, great food and easy ways to explore Banks Peninsula.

Morning

Drive from Christchurch and enjoy one scenic stop along the way. The roads are winding, so take your time and allow others to pass safely.

Midday

Explore Akaroa’s charming waterfront and French-inspired village streets, then stop for lunch. Keep your plans flexible in case of delays.

Afternoon

Enjoy the Akaroa Dolphins cruise. Wildlife experiences are dependant on weather and sea conditions, and remember that sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Before You Go

Bring warm layers, water and snacks.
Check weather and marine conditions.
Book ahead if you have a particular restaurant or cruise time in mind.

Responsible Travel

Keep your distance from wildlife, stay on marked tracks, respect private land and take your rubbish with you.

Want more time to explore? Consider staying overnight for a slower, more relaxed experience.