Welcome to the "Akaroa Business Collective" Pop-up penguin trail page.

Black Cat cruises

Black Cat Cruises are recognised as New Zealand’s first eco-tourism operator. They were the very first to offer cruises in Akaroa back in 1985 and today they offer a variety of wonderful experiences including their Akaroa Nature Cruises, along with Swimming With Dolphins in Akaroa Harbour, and trips to explore both Quail Island and Ripapa Island in Lyttelton Harbour.
They are passionate about the environment and wildlife they work with and ensure that a portion of all ticket sales goes back towards the education and research of New Zealand’s dolphin, the Hector’s dolphin.
Their nature cruise has been voted the number 1 wildlife activity in New Zealand, by kiwi’s, and lonely planet has listed their Swimming With Dolphins experience as one of the Top 10 Marine Mammal experiences in the world. Black Cat’s home territory on Bank’s Peninsula is just a short drive from the South Island’s largest city, Christchurch, is one of the most spectacularly beautiful parts of the Island, and home to an inspiring collection of marine wildlife and birdlife, including several endangered species.
They believe their respect for the environment is essential to ensure a sustainable future, and this respect along with safety underpins everything they do.

Akaroa Waterfront motel

Located on the Water edge of the harbour, the Akaroa Waterfront motels, offers 24 self-contained units (14 absolute waterfront) from studio to 3 bedroom units, to accommodate everybody: from the romantic escape to the family holiday. Surrounding by nature and garden, you will relax listening to the birds or watching the tide going in out, and if you are lucky even spotting a dolphin. Outdoor giant games, bikes hire, kayaks hire and onsite gym complete the picture perfect. Right in the town center, you will be able to walk around and enjoy shops, restaurants, bakerie and cafes within 5 minutes. We offer a friendly service; clean units and we can help with your tours’ booking. What are you waiting for? Book direct now on www.akaroawaterfront.co.nz or by phone on 033047484. (remember when you book direct you get better deals, better communication and better cancellation facilities)

And our tip: book more than 1 night to avoid disappointment ;)

Blue Pearl Gallery

Welcome to our family business and ‘Home’ of the Blue Pearl. We are located on the Main Wharf, just 6km from the original Blue Pearl Farm, right here in Akaroa harbour.

Watch as our Master Craftsman Jewellers, Jack and Kaz, – with over 75 years’ experience between them – handcraft New Zealand’s largest selection of Blue Pearls. Then learn about the story of the unique Blue Pearl process in our information room.

Our Gallery also features special jewellery pieces in Baltic Amber, Tahitian Black Pearls, Greenstone, a unique handmade collection, antiques and so much more.

We can bring your old jewellery back to life – bring in your old gold and precious stones and we can redesign and create a piece that is only limited by your imagination!

OPENING HOURS: Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-430pm

Akaroa motor garage

We are Akaroa’s local garage, our community is at the heart of what we do and we always do our best to be here to help! From fuel, to our mechanical workshop, to some lollies for the drive back to Christchurch, we do our best to have what you need and make sure you leave with a smile!

Sometimes we wish we could spend our days working with our special Hectors dolphins, or ………penguins or providing beautiful food gifts and accommodation to our visitors BUT we know that without the garage all of these wonderful people would not be able to do what they do. So we think supporting them is pretty cool!

We are lucky to live on our beautiful peninsula and to be surrounded by amazing wildlife. We hope you enjoy touring around our town on the penguin trail and look forward to meeting you in the garage!

Akaroa Criterion Motel

12 Studio Apartments perched close to the waterfront with spectacular views of Daly's Wharf and the Akaroa Harbour. The perfect location for a Banks Peninsula getaway with all the best cuisine, experiences and shopping right at your door.

With a stunning location overlooking the sparkling Akaroa Harbour, The Akaroa Criterion Maison Par Quay is your ideal accommodation for a relaxing visit to one of the South Islands most picturesque towns. Centrally located in Akaroa township, you are surrounded by the best cuisine, activities and shopping on offer.

Our motel offers a selection of rooms with either a balcony or a patio and most with harbour views. All rooms include a flat-screen TV, super king beds, a private bathroom and free unlimited WIFI.

Pohatu penguins

Pohatu Penguins is a family-run business with a long-standing history of protecting the Korora (Little Penguin). The colony survival is accredited to Shireen and Francis Helps who have cared for the penguins for 30+ years.

When the Helps first began their conservation work the penguins faced massive challenges that threatened their very existence. These challenges included predation via introduced predators such as dogs, cats, ferrets and stoats, gill net fishing and other human disturbances. Colonies around Banks Peninsula declined at an alarming rate and most disappeared altogether. Through predator trapping, monitoring, rehabilitation and immense dedication the Helps have stabilized the Pohatu Colony - and it continues to grow! In addition to their penguin conservation work the Helps family have also, for many years, protected native forests and other endemic species. Their work helped found the award-winning Wildside Conservation Project.

Their efforts continue to be fully self-funded via Pohatu Penguins’ tours. When purchasing a tour, clients have a positive input on our little Korora.

Many tour options to see and experience this thriving Little penguin colony with over 1200 breeding pairs include Evening penguin tour, Nature tours, Sea-kayaking safaris, Hiking or a 24-hour package with a night in the middle of the colony.