Award-winning Black Cat Cruises is a popular tour operator on the Banks Peninsula. From Akaroa, a richly rewarding rendezvous showcases the area's history, wildlife and scenic charm on-board the Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.
Jutting out into the harbour is the picture-postcard Onawe Peninsula. As much as the setting is the epitome of bucolic bliss, in the 1830s it was the scene of a horrific inter-tribal battle, claiming the lives of hundreds of Maori. The cruise commentary retraces the explosive history of the area with absorbing attention to detail.
The harbour is in fact an ancient volcanic crater, with a panoply of geological treats including monstrous sea caves and towering volcanic cliffs.
One cliff has a sheer 150m 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 amphitheatre that will take your breath away.
The harbour is also home to a kaleidoscope of marine and birdlife and the regularly scheduled cruises often encounter dolphins, seals and penguins. The harbour is a popular playground for the world's smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hectors Dolphin.
If you've always yearned to have some splish and splash face-time with these flippered friends, the cruise company also offers daily swimming with dolphins excursions.
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