Christchurch's boat tours split two ways. In the city, a punt glides down the Avon River past the Botanic Gardens at walking pace. An hour out, jet boats blast up the Hurunui River and a catamaran cruises Akaroa Harbour for Hector's dolphins and fur seals. Kaikōura, further north, adds whale watching and swimming with wild dolphins.
Punting on the Avon River
Running since 1986, Punting on the Avon River departs the historic Antigua Boat Sheds for a 30-minute glide past the Botanic Gardens and riverside willows, poled by an Edwardian-dressed punter in a striped blazer and boater hat. Blankets, umbrellas and hot water bottles are supplied, so it runs comfortably through winter as well as summer. A Punting with Gondola Combo pairs the same punt with a Christchurch Gondola cable car ride for 360-degree views over Hagley Park.
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
Akaroa, a French-heritage village around ninety minutes from Christchurch, sits inside an extinct volcanic crater. The Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise spends two hours aboard the Black Cat catamaran, the harbour's largest vessel, watching for Hector's dolphins, fur seals and little blue penguins along volcanic cliffs and salmon farms. A dolphin guarantee gives a free return trip if none are sighted on the day.
Sea Blast Hurunui River Jet Boat
An hour from Christchurch and an hour from Hanmer Springs, Energy Jet's Sea Blast Hurunui River Jet Boat runs 1 hour 15 minutes return from Hurunui Bridge to Hurunui Mouth on the coast, with 360-degree spins through the narrow channels and a stop on the beach. Lifejackets and spray jackets are supplied.
Whale Watch Kaikōura
Whale Watch Kaikōura, New Zealand's only vessel-based whale watching operator, reports a 95 per cent sighting success rate, most often giant sperm whales resident in the offshore canyon. The 2.5-hour trip includes a coach transfer and runs on an air-conditioned catamaran with a nature guide aboard.
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikōura
Swim with Dolphins in Kaikōura runs year-round with Dolphin Encounter, in the water with wild dusky dolphins that travel in pods of a hundred or more. Wetsuits and snorkelling gear are supplied, and anyone who would rather stay dry can watch from the boat. For more of the region beyond the water, browse the wider Christchurch range.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to swim with dolphins in Kaikōura?
Yes, swimming with wild dusky dolphins takes a reasonable level of snorkelling experience and water confidence, since Dolphin Encounter rates the trip as moderate fitness. Gear is supplied either way, and anyone who would rather not get in the water can watch from the boat.
What is the difference between swimming with dolphins and a dolphin cruise in Kaikōura?
Swimming with dolphins puts you in the water with wild dusky dolphins and requires moderate fitness, while the Dolphins Cruise in Kaikōura keeps everyone dry aboard the boat, watching for the same pods. The cruise suits families, older travellers and anyone who wants the wildlife without the swim.
What is the difference between the Hurunui River jet boat rides?
They differ mainly in length and distance covered: a 30-minute ride and a 45-minute ride stay on the upper river, while the 1 hour 15 minute Sea Blast run continues all the way to Hurunui Mouth on the coast, with a beach stop included along the way.
Do I need to bring my own gear for a Christchurch boat tour?
No, the operators around Christchurch supply the specialist gear. Punting on the Avon River comes with blankets, umbrellas and hot water bottles; Energy Jet issues lifejackets and spray jackets on its Jet Boat Ride and Gourmet BBQ, and Dolphin Encounter provides wetsuits and snorkelling gear in Kaikōura.
Local tip: book the first Avon punt of the day; the river and Botanic Gardens path beside it are quietest before the tour buses arrive.
Every trip above can be booked directly through Everything New Zealand.