Blog – Black Cat Cruises

New Black Cat Group Chief Executive Appointed

Hannah West — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:58:54 +0000

We are excited to announce the appointment of Andrew Cleverley as our Chief Executive Officer, commencing June 2026! Read more about his previous roles and what he is bringing to the Black Cat Team.

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The Latest Hectors Research

Hannah West — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:48:28 +0000

Read up on the newest research on the Hectors Dolphin. Including once hidden behaviours such as spending large amounts of time catching fish UPSIDE DOWN!

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Celebrating 40 Years of Care and Adventure: Black Cat Cruises Turns 40

Ania Truman — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:37:46 +0000

How it all Began In 1985, Black Cat Cruises was born from a simple but powerful idea: to offer people a closer connection to our spectacular marine world. What began with one small boat and a big dream in Akaroa has grown into one of New Zealand’s leading eco-tourism experiences and the first eco-tourism certified [...]

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Why Akaroa is the Ultimate Winter Escape in New Zealand

Ania Truman — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 06:49:08 +0000

Akaroa in Winter transforms into a tranquil village with their famous French flair. At just 90-minutes from Christchurch it's the perfect break from the city - here's what Winter is like in Akaroa, things to do, plus special offers.

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Your Itinerary for a Road Trip to Akaroa From Christchurch

Ania Truman — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:29:24 +0000

Planning an Akaroa trip from Christchurch? We've done the hard work for you and created a day trip itinerary packed with activities, estimated travel time, and places to eat and drink along the way.

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Are Hector’s Dolphins Endangered?

Ania Truman — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 20:02:12 +0000

In the wake of the recent SailGP event held in Lyttelton, a critical conversation has emerged regarding the intersection of human activities and marine conservation. Following the cancellation of racing this past Saturday due to the sighting of Hector's Dolphin in their home territory, Lyttelton Harbour, also known as the race course, the dolphins have found themselves at the heart of a heated controversy.

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My Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt Adventure

Ania Truman — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:34:27 +0000

Easter last year was different. On a whim, my partner and I decided to ditch the usual low-key Easter Sunday for something a bit more adventurous - the Quail Island Easter Egg Hunt, organised by Black Cat Cruises. Little did I know, it was going to be a day packed with laughter, a bit of legwork, and lots of chocolate.

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Navigating Towards a Brighter Future for Hector’s Dolphins

Ania Truman — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 02:27:17 +0000

As Emeritus Professor's Liz Slooten and Steve Dawson pass the baton for Hector's Dolphin conservation, we take a look back to their chance encounter with our founder Ron Bingham, and how their dedication to research leaves a lasting legacy in Akaroa and beyond.

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Destination Akaroa: An Explorer’s Guide to Banks Peninsula & Its Crown Jewel

Ania Truman — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 19:57:14 +0000

Wondering where to begin your Akaroa adventure? This blog will guide you through every must-see and must-do activity! There’s no denying the allure of a New Zealand summer, especially when exploring the myriad of things to do in Akaroa, Canterbury. With its captivating charm, Akaroa stands out even amidst New Zealand’s stunning locales. Situated within [...]

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Is it OK for 20 dolphins to die in nets around Banks Peninsula next year?

Ania Truman — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 22:14:28 +0000

How did we get here? Hector’s dolphins (Upokohue) are NZ’s own native dolphins. They are a ‘nationally vulnerable species’ with the population hovering around 15,000. For reference there are about 68,000 kiwi (birds) in NZ. The government through MPI (ministry for primary industries) has been consulting with interested parties on a ‘Threat Management Plan’ (TMP). [...]

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