Travellers looking for an exciting day trip from Christchurch will find it with Black Cat Cruises. With a range of fantastic itineraries displaying the best of New Zealand, there is something to delight every visitor. Whether it's exploring the sights of the stunning Akaroa Harbour, swimming with rare dolphins, or escaping to an idyllic island, Black Cat Cruises offer jaw-dropping views and intrepid thrills unique to this special part of the world. So, secure your car hire at Christchurch Airport and hit the road.

• It's a scenic 80-kilometre, 1.25-hour drive to the Swim-with-Dolphins and Nature Cruises departure point at Akaroa Harbour. 

• It's a quick 20-minute drive from Christchurch city to the Island Escapes, Lyttleton Harbour Discovery Tour, and Diamond Harbour Ferry departure point at Lyttleton Harbour.    

Which Black Cat Cruises adventure will suit me? 

No matter which of the Black Cat Cruises you choose, you’ll get to see gorgeous seascapes and enjoy incredible nature. But to help you narrow it down, we’ve gathered the main offerings of each excursion.  

Akaroa Nature Cruises

• Departs Akaroa Harbour 

• Dolphin viewing guarantee (see their website for details) 

• Large and luxurious catamarans 

• Voted the #1 bucket list activity in New Zealand 

The Akaroa Nature Cruise is a relaxing who-hour cruise that takes you through the sheltered bays and inlets of Akaroa Harbour. On this cruise, you will see a variety of fascinating wildlife, including fur seals, penguins, and the world's smallest and rarest dolphins: Hector Dolphins. You will also learn about the history and culture of the area from your knowledgeable guide as you journey through an extinct volcanic crater. 

Swim with Dolphins

• Departs Akaroa Harbour 

• Two-tier dolphin guarantee policy for booking re-assurance (see their website for details) 

• Voted the #1 wildlife activity in New Zealand 

• Frequently sells out - so book well in advance! 

One of the most popular cruises offered by Black Cat Cruises is the Swim with Dolphins cruise. This adventurous three-hour cruise takes you out into the open waters of Akaroa Harbour, where you get the opportunity to swim with wild Hector Dolphins. This is such a joyful and exhilarating experience! No need to worry if you're not a strong swimmer - life jackets are provided, and a qualified instructor is on hand to help you make the most of your time in the water.   

Island Escapes

• Depart Lyttleton Harbour in Christchurch 

• Explore either Quail Island or Ripapa Island 

These Black Cat Cruises take place in the sheltered waters of Lyttleton Harbour and allow you to explore your choice of island, enjoying stunning scenery and fascinating history. Discover what each cruise has to offer below. 

Quail Island Cruise

• Choose from full-day or half-day cruises (one-way tickets with departure and return to be booked separately) 

• One or two-hour walking tracks of the island (go at your own pace) 

• Learn about the island's history as you view shipwrecks and volcanic cliffs. 

• Stop for a refreshing dip at the swimming beach 

Ripapa Island Cruise - Small island, big history

• Two-hour cruise (return ticket) 

• Learn about the island's fascinating history, including 19th-century conflicts 

Diamond Harbour Ferry

• 10-minute ferry ride 

• 5-minute walk to the pretty town of Diamond Harbour 

• Explore scenic clifftops and beautiful beaches 

• Choose from various activities 

More about Black Cat Cruises 

Black Cat Cruises has a passionate team dedicated to providing the best experience possible for guests. Decades of experience and a commitment to the environment makes the company a standout tourism operator in New Zealand.

• An eco-tourism pioneer, Black Cat Cruises was the first to offer cruises in Akaroa.

• Winner of multiple tourism awards.  

• The Black Cat Cruises fleet consists of high-quality, well-maintained vessels, including modern catamarans and purpose-built ferries. 

Black Cat Cruises' award-winning experiences make them a top-rated company. So book your tours well in advance - especially during school holidays and peak travel periods. You won't want to miss out!