Harbour Cruise Akaroa New Zealand
Make this two hour cruise on
Akaroa Harbour, part of your day trip to Akaroa, or allow time for
it during your stopover. Akaroa is located 90 minutes drive from
from Christchurch. Akaroa township enjoys a stunning setting on
the shores of this picturesque harbour. Akaroa Harbour was
created as the sea breached the rim of a volcanic crater producing
a sheltered bay surrounded by steep craggy hills and volcanic sea
cliffs. The waters are home to the rare Hectors Dolphin, New
Zealand Fur Seal and White Flippered Blue Penguin.
Cruise Highlights:
Your modern catamaran, the 60 feet / 20 meter Black Cat
(previously Canterbury Cat), is perfect for viewing the natural
wonders of the harbour. The vessel is the largest and most
luxurious on the harbour. There's lots of space on the 2 decks for
unimpeded viewing and there's plenty of covered seating, in case
you need to get out of the sunshine. Inside there's a bar and
toilets. And being the largest it's both stable and safe. Relax
stretch out and discover the harbour with award winning Black Cat
Cruises.
The cruise is fully narrated by your skipper who has extensive
knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.
The highlight of this trip is undoubtedly the sighting of one of
the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the Hector's or New
Zealand Dolphin. These friendly and inquisitive mammals meet the
boat most days throughout the year and their calves can be seen
between October and March.
Also on the trip you will catch glimpses of the White Flippered
Blue Penguin, the smallest penguin in the world. There are many
different bird species in the Harbour, including five different
cormorant species and the chance of sighting the endangered
yellow-eyed penguin.
You'll also see the New Zealand Fur Seal sunning themselves on the
harbours rocks near the entrance at Seal Bay.
We will stop at Lucas Bay to look at a salmon farm where thousands
of salmon from fingerlings to adult fish are farmed in a series of
cages.You will see them jumping as we approach the cages. This is
where the world-famous 'Akaroa Salmon' are raised.
On each two-hour cruise we will endeavour to show you wildlife
plus the many sea caves and volcanic cliffs. As Akaroa Harbour was
a live volcano nine million years ago, there is many spectacular
ancient lava flows to be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face
and has a fascinating history while Nikau Palm Gully is the
Southern most limit for these palm trees. There is also the
incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple and red volcanic
amphitheatre that will take your breath away.
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