Sports and the Outdoors
Akaroa Dolphins. With these nature cruises aboard a luxury vessel on Akaroa Harbour, a portion of your fare goes to the Department of Conservation for further research into the Hector's dolphin, which is threatened with extinction. Cruises depart three times daily in summer, and once a day in winter for two hours, from the main wharf. Informed guides give you an insight into the marine life found here, and a beverage and home-baked snacks are also included as part of the ticket price. 65 Beach Rd., Akaroa, Canterbury, 7520. 03/304--7866; www.akaroadolphins.co.nz. NZ$74.
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises & Swimming With Dolphins. The Black Cat catamaran runs Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises and Swimming with Dolphins (two different trips). On the Nature Cruise, you'll pull in beside huge volcanic cliffs and caves and bob around in the harbor entrance while tiny Hector's dolphins—an endangered and adorable species of dolphin with rounded dorsal fins that look like Mickey Mouse ears stuck on their backs—play in the wake of the boat. Trips leave daily and cost NZ$74. Or take your swimsuit and get in the water for the Swimming with Dolphins cruise, the only place in the world you can do so. Dolphin swim trips cost NZ$150 (NZ$79 to watch). Wet suits are provided and advance reservations are essential. Main Wharf, Akaroa, Canterbury, 7520. 03/304–7641; 0800/436–574; www.blackcat.co.nz. Swimming with Dolphins not available in winter.
Banks Peninsula Track. The 35-km (22-mile) Banks Peninsula Track crosses lovely coastal terrain. From Akaroa hike over headlands and past several bays, waterfalls, and seal and penguin colonies, and you might even see Hector's dolphins at sea. Two-day and four-day self-guided hikes are available from October to April. The tracks follow the same route, so if you're a novice hiker or have plenty of time, take the four-day option. You will stay overnight in shared cabins with fully equipped kitchens. Rates include lodging, transport from Akaroa to the first hut, landowners' fees, and a booklet describing the features of the trail. No fear of overcrowding here—the track is limited to 16 people at a time. Banks Peninsula Track, Akaroa, Canterbury. 03/304–7612; www.bankstrack.co.nz. From NZ$185. Closed May–Sept.
Pohatu Penguins Nature & Sea Kayaking Safaris. Pohatu Marine Reserve is a key breeding area for the Little Penguin (korora), which are endemic to the Canterbury region. Best time for viewing is during the breeding season, September to January. You may also see the yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho), which also breed in the bay. Options range from day and evening penguin or nature tours (from NZ$65 per person) and sea-kayaking trips (from NZ$90). Price includes a scenic drive to Pohatu with photo stops along the way and there are several other tour options as well. An accommodation package is also available in a self-catering cottage inside the penguin colony—a rare opportunity—(from NZ$130 per person for 24-hour stay). All trips leave from Akaroa. Unit 2, 8 Rue Balguerie, Akaroa, Canterbury, 7520. 03/304–8542; 021/246–9556; www.pohatu.co.nz. Subject to penguin breeding season.
