10 Most Highly Rated Cruises And Boat Tours In Akaroa

Akaroa is a standout destination on New Zealand’s South Island, especially for boat lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Its calm, sheltered harbor and rugged volcanic coastline make it an ideal spot for cruises and boat tours that showcase pristine scenery and rare marine life. What sets Akaroa apart is the chance to see the rare Hector’s dolphin, the world’s smallest and most endangered dolphin, along with penguins, fur seals, and seabirds. Whether you prefer a relaxing cruise with a cold drink or an active sailing adventure, Akaroa offers a variety of memorable experiences. One of our favorite tours is the Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise, which combines wildlife viewing with comfort and family-friendly fun.

If you’re after up-close wildlife encounters, the Akaroa Wildlife Cruise is a top pick, with small group intimacy and passionate guides. For those wanting a luxury experience, the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise offers spacious decks and expert commentary while sailing past sea caves and volcanic formations. And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, the sailing and wildlife tour aboard the Fox II, a vintage wooden sailboat, provides a classic Kiwi sailing experience with wildlife sightings included.

Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each top-rated option. There’s definitely something to match your style — from family-friendly wildlife safaris to adrenaline-fueled jet boat rides.

1. Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise

At number 1 on our list, the Akaroa: Dolphin Nature Cruise is a 2-hour boat trip that makes a strong impression with its focus on Hector’s dolphins. This tour is favored for its ability to get you close to these elusive, tiny dolphins that are endemic to New Zealand. The vessel glides through calm waters, giving you a stable platform to spot marine life.

What makes this cruise stand out is the chance to see sea caves, volcanic formations, and NZ fur seals while enjoying a drink and snack onboard. The captain shares insights into the area’s volcanic history and marine ecology, making it both entertaining and educational. The reviews highlight its high rating of 4.9/5 from over 400 travelers, praising the friendly crew and the opportunity to watch dolphins in their natural environment. It’s ideal for families and wildlife lovers wanting a relaxed, immersive experience.

Bottom line: This tour offers a blend of natural beauty and intimate wildlife viewing, perfect if you’re after a memorable, relaxed cruise with excellent scenery.

2. Akaroa Wildlife Cruise

Ranking at the top for its perfect balance of wildlife, scenery, and small-group intimacy, the Akaroa Wildlife Cruise is a 2 hour 45-minute adventure that keeps travelers captivated. Led by passionate local guide Tony, the tour departs from 59E Beach Road and explores the volcanic Banks Peninsula, home to Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and seabirds.

This tour is remarkable for its small boat capacity of 30 passengers, which enhances the chance for close wildlife encounters. Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable commentary and the respectful approach to wildlife, especially the dolphins. Reviews mention seeing plenty of dolphins, seals, and penguins, with many noting how Tony’s stories enrich the experience. The price of $68.26 per person offers excellent value, especially considering the personalized attention and the chance to see NZ fur seals and albatross in their habitat.

Bottom line: If you prioritize small-group intimacy and expert local knowledge, this cruise delivers an authentic, wildlife-rich experience with the added bonus of volcanic scenery.

3. Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise

This 2-hour cruise is an award-winning option that emphasizes wildlife viewing and volcanic landscapes. The Akaroa Harbour 2-Hour Dolphin Nature Cruise takes you around the extinct volcanic crater, known for its natural beauty and diverse marine life.

Highlights include sightings of Hector’s dolphins, fur seals, little penguins, and albatross, along with insights into Akaroa’s fascinating geology. The tour also explores Scenery Nook, a scenic volcanic area, making it a hit for photography and geology buffs. The cruise is rated 4.7/5 based on over 220 reviews, with many travelers appreciating the friendly local guides and complimentary tea, coffee, and postcards. It’s a good choice for travelers who want a compact, scenic wildlife tour with a focus on education.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a shorter, scenic cruise that combines wildlife, volcanic scenery, and a touch of local history in one trip.

4. Sailing and Wildlife Tour Akaroa Fox II Sailing

The Fox II Sailing is a 2 hour 45-minute adventure aboard a vintage 100-year-old wooden ketch. This tour draws sailing enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike for its eco-friendly approach and historic vessel. Departing from Daly’s Wharf, the tour helps you experience Akaroa’s stunning coastline while keeping an eye out for rare wildlife.

This trip’s charm lies in its classic sailing vibe and up-close wildlife encounters, including sightings of Hector’s dolphins, NZ fur seals, little blue penguins, and albatross. Passengers often comment on the relaxed atmosphere and knowledgeable crew, with one reviewer noting they saw plenty of dolphins and seals. The tour’s price of $89.98 per person reflects its premium experience, especially for those interested in sailing history and a quieter, more intimate tour.

Bottom line: If you love sailing and want a scenic, wildlife-focused cruise on a historic vessel, this tour offers a memorable, eco-conscious adventure.

5. Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

The Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise is a 2-hour luxury catamaran experience rated 5/5 with over 330 reviews. This tour stands out for its spacious decks, unobstructed views, and expert narration. You can choose morning or afternoon departures, making it flexible for your schedule.

During the cruise, you’ll enjoy hot drinks, and the captain shares insights into the area’s ecology and geology. Expect to see Hector’s dolphins, blue penguins, and seals, along with dramatic sea caves and volcanic formations. Many reviews mention the smooth ride and the informative commentary, with families and couples alike appreciating the comfortable, scenic environment.

At $77.57 per person, this tour offers a value for money experience that emphasizes comfort and education. Its high rating reflects consistent satisfaction with the scenery, wildlife, and friendly staff.

Bottom line: For a relaxed, well-guided tour with plenty of space to move around, this cruise provides a luxurious way to experience Akaroa’s natural beauty.

6. Akaroa: Wildlife Cruise with Dolphins and Penguins

This 3-hour trip is for travelers eager for a close-up wildlife adventure aboard The Fox 2, one of New Zealand’s oldest ketch boats. It’s rated 5/5 from 14 reviews, emphasizing the intimate, personal experience. The tour departs from Daly’s Wharf and takes you into the heart of Akaroa’s volcanic crater, where Hector’s dolphins, seals, and penguins are often seen.

What distinguishes this tour is the personalized service and the chance to sail on a historic vessel. Passengers highlight how easy it is to spot dolphins and seals, and the relaxed pace allows ample wildlife observation. The tour also offers the chance to soak up the scenery and learn about the area’s geology and marine life directly from the crew.

Bottom line: This tour suits travelers who want a small-group, historic sailing experience with an emphasis on wildlife and scenery.

7. Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Tour and Jet Boating

For a full-day adventure, this Akaroa Shore Excursion combines city sightseeing with thrilling jet boat rides. Departing from Akaroa, you’ll visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and explore the city’s architecture. Then, the adrenaline kicks in with a jet boat ride on the Waimakariri River.

This trip is perfect if you want a combination of urban exploration and outdoor adventure. The jet boat ride is described as exhilarating, with a knowledgeable driver showcasing expert skills. The tour lasts about 6 hours and costs $173.76 per person, making it suitable for travelers with a full day and a taste for excitement.

Reviews praise the scenic drive, the lively commentary, and the thrill of the jet boat, with many noting it’s a highlight of their trip. It’s best for active travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and adventure.

Bottom line: This tour gives you a taste of both urban and outdoor experiences, ideal if you have a day to spare and want variety.

8. Akaroa Dolphins ~ Harbour Nature Cruise

Rated 5/5 from over 2,100 reviews, this Harbour Nature Cruise is a popular, crowd-pleasing option. The spacious catamaran provides a stable platform for wildlife spotting, and the included home-baked cookies and drinks make it feel like a treat.

During this 2-hour cruise, you’ll explore the scenic coastline, the Akaroa Lighthouse, and Banks Peninsula. The main attraction is the abundance of marine life, including Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and seals. Reviewers appreciate the friendly crew, the comfortable boat, and the plentiful wildlife sightings, often citing this as their favorite tour in Akaroa.

At $80.67 per person, it offers great value for a family-friendly, relaxed wildlife cruise with plenty of scenic photo opportunities.

Bottom line: If you want a reliable, popular tour with excellent reviews, this cruise combines comfort, wildlife, and stunning scenery in a well-organized package.

9. Private Transfer from Akaroa Cruise Port to Christchurch City

For travelers needing convenient transportation, this Private Transfer offers a comfortable, door-to-door service. It’s perfect if you prefer to avoid shared shuttles or taxis and want a personalized, hassle-free ride between Akaroa and Christchurch.

Costing $190.70, the private transfer provides flexible scheduling and a professional driver, making it ideal for travelers with tight schedules or large groups. It takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to reach Christchurch, giving you plenty of time to relax or plan your next step in New Zealand.

This service is less about scenery and more about convenience, but it’s crucial for those who want to start or end their day smoothly and comfortably.

Bottom line: Best suited for travelers prioritizing comfort and simplicity over sightseeing — perfect for a stress-free transfer.

10. Lyttelton Port: Day Tour 3 options for Cruise Passengers

This flexible 7-hour day tour from Lyttelton Port offers options to explore Christchurch, Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass, or Kaikoura. It’s perfect if your cruise schedule allows some extra exploration. Highlights include visiting the Seal Colony, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and whale watching in Kaikoura.

The tour is designed for cruise passengers who want to maximize their time ashore and enjoy a tailored experience. Reviews and details suggest it’s a comprehensive way to see mountains, coastlines, and wildlife in a single day, with transport and guides included.

Bottom line: For travelers wanting to see multiple highlights and enjoy a flexible, full-day experience, this tour offers a convenient way to get the most out of your port stop.

How to Choose the Right Boat Tour in Akaroa

When selecting a cruise or boat tour, consider your priorities: wildlife sightings like Hector’s dolphins are best with small boats (like the Wildlife Cruise) or personal sailing (Fox II). If you prefer comfort and narration, the Harbour Nature Cruise delivers a relaxed experience with plenty of scenic views.

Budget-wise, the most economical options are around $68–$80, offering excellent wildlife encounters, while premium cruises provide more space and amenities. For travelers with limited time, the 2-hour Dolphin Nature Cruise or Harbour Nature Cruise are perfect.

If you’re tight on time and want a seamless transfer, the private transfer guarantees comfort and punctuality. For those with a full day, the Lyttelton port tour offers a way to explore beyond Akaroa.

Final Thoughts

Akaroa’s marine tours cover everything from wildlife adventures to luxury cruises and historic sailing. If spotting Hector’s dolphins is your priority, the Dolphin Nature Cruise or Harbour Nature Cruise are top picks. For a quieter, more intimate experience, the Wildlife Cruise with Dolphins and Penguins offers a cozy, personal touch.

Active travelers and sailing enthusiasts should consider the Fox II Sailing, while those seeking luxury and comfort will enjoy the Harbour Nature Cruise. Regardless of your choice, booking early is wise — these tours fill fast, especially in peak season.