Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula

Sports and the Outdoors

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises. The Black Cat catamaran runs two Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises. You'll pull in beside huge volcanic cliffs and caves and bob around in the harbor entrance while tiny Hector's dolphins—an endangered and adorable species of dolphin with rounded dorsal fins that look like Mickey Mouse ears stuck on their backs—play in the wake of the boat. On some cruises you can swim with them, the only place in the world you can do so. Trips leave daily at 1:30 pm all year-round, plus 11am October to April and 3:40 pm mid-December to mid-March, and cost $68. Dolphin swim trips leave daily at 11:30 am, and cost $139 ($72 to watch); extra sailing daily over summer. Advance reservations are essential; bring your swimsuit. Wet suits are provided in summer and dry suits in winter. Main Wharf, Akaroa, 7520. 03/304-7641 or 0800/436-574. www.blackcat.co.nz.

Banks Peninsula Track. The 35-km (22-mi) Banks Peninsula Track crosses lovely coastal terrain. From Akaroa hike over headlands and past several bays, waterfalls, and seal and penguin colonies, and you might even see Hector's dolphins at sea. Two-day ($165) and four-day ($255) self-guided hikes are available from October to April. The tracks follow the same route, so if you're a novice hiker or have plenty of time, take the four-day option. You will stay overnight in shared cabins with fully equipped kitchens. Rates include lodging, transport from Akaroa to the first hut, landowners' fees, and a booklet describing the features of the trail. No fear of overcrowding here—the track is limited to 16 people at a time. 03/304-7612. www.bankstrack.co.nz. Closed May-Sept.

Pohatu Penguins and Marine Reserve. Pohatu Marine Reserve is a key breeding area for the Little Penguin (korora), which are endemic to the Canterbury region. Best time for viewing is during the breeding season, September to January. You may also see the yellow-eyed penguin (hoiho), which also breed in the bay. Options range from day and evening penguin or nature tours (from $70 per person) and sea-kayaking trips (from $80). Price includes a scenic drive to Pohatu with photo stops along the way and there are several other tour options as well. An accommodation package is also available in a self-catering cottage inside the penguin colony—a rare opportunity—(from $110 per person for 24-hour stay). All trips leave from Akaroa. Akaroa Info Centre, 80 Rue Lavaud, Akaroa, 7520. 03/304-8600. www.pohatu.co.nz. Subject to penguin breeding season.