Black Cat Cruises

With Black Cat Cruises you will enjoy a once in a lifetime experience, supported by the experienced local crew and world-class facilities. Our experience and dedication to our local environment deliver a New Zealand must-do activity here in Akaroa.
It could be the ultimate dolphin experience or a magical trip on the Diamond Harbour ferry, or why not explore Quail Island? We can even offer you your own tailor-made chartered cruise.
To get to Akaroa, we recommend you take the Diamond Harbour Ferry. The ferry has been operating on Lyttelton Harbour since 1888, connecting Diamond Harbour with Lyttelton. It’s just a short 5-minute walk from the ferry jetty to the small township and ferries depart at least every hour throughout the day.
Black Cat’s ferry the Black Diamond was launched in May 2001 and was purpose-built to operate as the new Diamond Harbour Ferry. The journey time is only 8 mins. Our ferry service operates in combination with buses from Lyttelton to downtown Christchurch.
Spend a fascinating half-day exploring Quail Island by taking our Quail Island ferry. Named after the now extinct native Quail (koreke) by Captain William Mein Smith, the island was originally used as a quarantine station and as a small leprosy colony by the early European settlers.
Take your lunch and swimming costumes with you for a great family day out.