Akaroa celebrates Hector Dolphins viewing boat
On the 10th of September 2019, Akaroa welcomed the
arrival of Akaroa Dolphins new catamaran, designed for their
daily dolphin & harbour nature cruises. This is the very
first purpose-built boat for dolphin watching, to arrive in
Akaroa Harbour. A huge achievement for such a small family
run company.
The boat was welcomed by a group of onlookers at Akaroa’s main wharf. Local families, business owners, & passing travellers were excited to see her. Her arrival comes just in time for the 2019/2020 summer season. The Akaroa Dolphins team were thrilled to have their new boat and team finally back together again!
‘Everything about the design of this boat is tailored to ensure the comfort and safety of our guests, while having minimum impact on the environment’
For the last two years Akaroa Dolphins have been building their latest business venture, up in Auckland with the final stages being completed in Waikawa, Picton. Now the magnificent creation is moored in Akaroa Harbour ready for action. A lot of time and consideration has gone into their new boat, which will continue to set them apart from other tour operators.
Akaroa Dolphins wanted to limit their impact on the environment, while providing the highest quality of passenger comfort. ‘We wanted to expand but not lose our initial vision of creating a memorable, unique and intimate experience for every one of our guests’. Some features of the catamaran that stand out are the environmentally sustainable designed areas of the vessel. For example, her state-of-the-art engines; the most efficient in today’s world, the best materials used to minimise noise transfer to the dolphins and her self-contained pure water station.
NATURE
CRUISE ESSENTIAL DETAILS:
• Operates all year
round with three options everyday between October &
April.
• Summer cruise times are 10.15am, 12.45pm and
3.15pm. Winter cruise time is 12.45pm.
• Departs from
Akaroa’s main wharf.
• Included is a complimentary
drink and home baking.
• Limits passenger numbers,
helping create a unique and personal experience.
• An
integral part of their team is the expert dolphin spotting
dogs.
ABOUT AKAROA DOLPHINS:
• Operating unique luxury eco-tourism
cruises on Akaroa Harbour since 2004.
• Gives guests a
trip of a lifetime to view the Hector’s dolphins, New
Zealand fur seals, White-flippered penguins, and an array of
seabirds all while taking in the spectacular scenery that
the harbor has to offer.
• Attracting visitors both
domestically and internationally, who want a memorable
unique kiwi experience.
• Department of Conservation
permitted and part of the SMART (Sustainable Marine Mammal
Actions in Recreation and Tourism) program.
• Committed to the conservation of Akaroa Harbour's
environment and wildlife.
• Family business with the
management team being 5th & 6th generation Banks Peninsula
locals.
• #1 on TripAdvisor for Boat
Tours.