Akaroa harbour is honestly stunning. It is actually the crater of an extinct volcano and over time has adopted the French way of life. It is such a beautiful little town that will be sure to take your breath away. The town attracts holidaymakers from all over the world and offers an array of cafes, restaurants and shops.
Akaraoa makes for a great day trip from Christchurch- it only took just over an hour for us to drive there, or you could experience the culture of Akaroa by spending a few nights there. There are so many different ways to view the harbour and all of them offer something unique.
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www.exploretainment.comWe had some dinner at a restaurant right on the water called Truby's and watched the sun set. The Blue Cod with fries and salad is really nice and cheap!
www.exploretainment.comThis is was my third night in New Zealand and my first time staying at a hostel. Everyone thought it was hilarious that I came in with my huge suitcase when they all had backpacks. When I say huge I mean 27kg + a smaller suitcase that weighed in at 9kg. What can I say I don’t know how to pack light. They also thought it was very strange that I had my own pillowcase and slept inside my sleeping bag so I didn’t touch the sheets. Kind of embarrassing!
Black Cat Cruises Dolphin Swim
AMAZING
Imagine no glass walls, no barricade, and NO CAPTIVITATY. Just you surrounded by the Pacific Ocean (the largest ocean in the world) and lots and lots of dolphins. This truly is one of New Zealand’s premier eco-marine experiences.
We woke up at 7am very tired and grumpy from the night before. Dorms are a lot of fun but you do not get very much sleep in them! The tour begins with a prepping about what is to be expected of the day. We put on our very ‘comfy’ wetsuits and headed for the jets awaiting us. Yes the wet suites are not very comfortable or attractive but they definitely work in keeping you warm in the water! Plus everyone is in the same attire so its actually quite funny. (Masks and snorkels are also provided along with the wetsuit).
The group was divided and we all piled into the two modern jet powered catamarans. As we were cruising along the Akaroa harbour at high speeds, everyone had their eyes peeled for the hector’s dolphin. The first person to make a false sighting had to enter the water first- thankfully it wasn’t me! The hector’s dolphin is the smallest, rarest dolphin in the world and Akaroa Harbour is the only place on the planet where you can swim with these amazing creatures.
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www.exploretainment.comWe jetted from the Akaroa Township all the way to the volcanic sea-cliffs of the Pacific Ocean. As we took in the stunning scenery and wildlife the skippers told us informative local stories about the wildlife and fascinating geological history. Before we even swum with the dolphins we were able to enjoy the company of a variety of exotic marine life including seals, penguins, and of course the hector’s dolphin.
www.exploretainment.comThere is only one word to describe swimming with these amazing mammals in their natural habitat and that is MAJESTIC. As you are stepping down the ladder into the water you become overwhelmed with feelings of excitement/fear and it really is exhilarating.
At first the water is freezing and you subconsciously hold your breath as you ‘gracefully’ enter the water. All is forgotten as soon as you see the first dolphin only a meter away from you! Everyone is silent at first, concentrating on trying to attract the dolphins and careful not to touch them. The hector’s dolphin is endangered and very susceptible to human diseases so it is really important not to reach out and touch them- even though it is very tempting. After a while everyone starts having fun singing and laughing while more dolphins come to play.
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www.exploretainment.comOnce back on board the catamaran everyone received a complimentary hot chocolate to warm us up. We all drank our hot chocolates whilst watching the New Zealand fur seal lazing on the rocks near the harbour entrance- they are such funny creatures. Did you know they actually absorb their oxygen from the sun! (Just some useless facts for you).
Hot showers are available for use once you return back to the dock and before you know it the adventure is over ☹
Black Cat Cruises operate daily from Akaroa Main Wharf at 6.00am, 11.30am and 1.30pm. You should allow three hours for you Dolphins Up Close adventure.
Prices for adults are $130 (watching $70) and $110 for children (watching $35).
For more information visit the Black Cat Cruises website:
www.blackcat.co.nz/
Fox11 Sail Ship
If you thought swimming with dolphins would be enough for one day, think again. What a day huh!? In the afternoon we boarded the Fox11 Sail Ship with 29 other tourists. The Fox11 was originally built as a sailing cargo carrier back in 1922 and then as a fishing boat up until 1970. After being sold and bought a few more times, the Fox landed in the hands of Roy its current skipper.
Roy is such a character and he definitely adds to the personality of the boat. As you relax and soak up the sun, atmosphere and wildlife Roy will give commentary on everything from the million dollar house listings on Akaroa hill to facts about the local Maori history.
www.exploretainment.comWe were able to view the harbour in a very different light as we sailed alongside the hector’s dolphin, the yellow-eyed and blue penguins, New Zealand fur seals and the albatross bird. At one stage I was able to help raise and tie the sails like a true ‘seaman’.
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www.exploretainment.comDeparts daily at 10:30am and 1:30pm from Daly’s Wharf behind the Akaroa Visitor Centre late December thru May. Once again you need to allow 3hours for your sailing adventure. Prices start from $65 for adults and $30 for children.
For more information visit the Fox11 website at: http://www.akaroafoxsail.co.nz/index.html
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