Akaroa Harbor & Wildlife Cruise

This award-winning cruise has been voted by local New Zealanders as the best wildlife spotting activity in New Zealand. You will cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife. Traveling onboard a modern catamaran, this vessel is perfect for viewing the natural wonders of Akaroa Harbor, offering lots of room on the two decks for unimpeded viewing and plenty of covered seating for shade and shelter. The cruise is fully narrated by your skipper, who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife, and history of the harbor.

This excursion strives to show you wildlife as well as many sea caves and volcanic cliffs. Millions of years ago Akaroa Harbor was a live volcano, and there are much spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. One cliff has a sheer 500-foot face and a fascinating history, while Nikau Palm Gully is the southernmost limit for these tropical palm trees. There is also the incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple, and red volcanic amphitheater that is sure to take your breath away.

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 fur seals, and the White Flippered Blue Penguin --the smallest penguin in the world. There are many different bird species in the harbor, including five different cormorants (shag) species, albatross, and the endangered yellow-eyed penguin.

There will also be a stop at Lucas Bay to look at a salmon farm where thousands of salmon from fingerlings to adult fish are farmed.

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