Wildlife Sailing Cruise

Wildlife Sailing Cruise

Code: FXS982
  • $70
  • 4 Reviews
  • Location: Canterbury Region
  • For: 1 person
  1. Valid for 12 months
  2. Free exchange

Sail with dolphins and experience a wildlife sailing adventure on board New Zealand’s oldest working, gaff rigged ketch! During the cruise, you can choose to assist the crew by helping to sail the vessel or simply sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery and stunning wildlife!

Join us for a wildlife cruise on board our historic ketch around Akaroa! Each sailing trip is different depending on the wind direction or the sea conditions, but typically we head out of the Akaroa Heads into the Pacific Ocean where there is incredible scenery and generally better sailing!

We have one of the highest success rates at spotting the wildlife in Akaroa Harbour, but we strongly disagree with chasing the wildlife. For this reason, we will never attempt to alter our course or try to entice the animals closer in any way. During the trip, you can see Hector’s dolphins (99% success rate!), little blue penguins and white-flippered penguins and there are even a couple of seal colonies around the Akaroa Heads that we may have the opportunity to visit if the conditions are right.

Typically during the day, you’ll see penguins swimming in the harbour before returning to their nests at sunset. There are a myriad of birds including petrels, mollymawk albatross, gannets, seagulls and terns. On rare occasions, you may even be lucky enough to spot a visiting whale.

PLEASE NOTE: Trips operate from late December – mid May ONLY.

This experience voucher is valid for 12 months from date of purchase.

Venue:

Akaroa Harbour.

Session Length

We operate 7 days a week from late December to mid May only. Cruises depart twice daily at 10.30am and 1.30pm. The cruise is approximately 2.5 hours in duration.

Guidelines:

This experience is suitable for all ages. Unfortunately, our vessel is not suitable for people with severe disabilities or those requiring wheelchair access.

Numbers:

The price quoted is for one person. Our boat can carry a maximum of 30 people on any one trip.

Spectators:

Not suitable for spectators.

Weather:

This experience is affected by the weather and sea conditions. In the event of poor conditions, we reserve the right to reschedule your experience for a later date.

Other Info:

Our vessel is the oldest gaffed rigged ketch in New Zealand, built in Auckland in 1922. It is 50 feet long and 12 feet wide.

Suitability Information:

This experience may be suitable for people with a hearing impairment. Please contact us to discuss your suitability.

This product is sutable for people with Sensory Impairment - Hearing

Reviews

  •  
    Reviewer: Robert
    April 28 2011

    Laid back and relaxing and a little short on wildlife, but the Hector dolphins made up for it and the magical Bose sound system that inspired the dolphins to play. The Captain and crew added to the enjoyment of this Akaroa experience.

  •  
    Reviewer: Doug
    April 25 2011

    Roy and Fox 2 are a great team. We saw everything we could have seen and I had the nicest time. In the last ten years this is the best birthday present I've had. Even though there were other passengers aboard I was able to enjoy the sea, the ship and all creation all by myself. Thanks again Roy.

  •  
    Reviewer: Janice
    April 10 2011

    Our son and daughter bought us tickets through your website for Christmas. We finally went in April. It was a beautiful, sunny day in Akaroa with not too much wind. We enjoyed the motor out to the head of the harbour with interesting commentary on local history. We saw lots of little fur seals on the rocks near the heads. The sails were set and we motor sailed through the swell beyond the entrance then sailed back in the peaceful way that sailing offers and watched a few Hectors dolphins pla...
    Our son and daughter bought us tickets through your website for Christmas. We finally went in April. It was a beautiful, sunny day in Akaroa with not too much wind. We enjoyed the motor out to the head of the harbour with interesting commentary on local history. We saw lots of little fur seals on the rocks near the heads. The sails were set and we motor sailed through the swell beyond the entrance then sailed back in the peaceful way that sailing offers and watched a few Hectors dolphins playing about the ketch. A very pleasant, restful trip back up the harbour. Thank you.

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  •  
    Reviewer: Sharron
    February 09 2011

    The crew of the Fox II delivered a unique sailing experience viewing the attractions and marine wildlife to be found in Akaroa Harbour. Despite the highest temperatures in 100 years, it was an enjoyable time on the water.

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