| 3 “Being around that long means we must be doing something right. It’s a testament to our team, our customers, and the community that has supported us from day one.” T T Kelly Deeks 40 years exploring Banks Peninsula Black Cat Cruises offers a range of experiences across Banks Peninsula, including intimate Hector’s dolphin swims, ferry services to Quail and Ripapa islands, and the Diamond Harbour ferry. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Black Cat Cruises Black Cat Cruises is marking a milestone year, celebrating 40 years on the water while securing national recognition as a finalist in the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards. The Akaroa-based eco-tourism operator has been named in the Tourism Excellence Award (Small-Medium Business) category, an accolade chief executive Paul Milligan says is particularly meaningful in their anniversary year. “It feels extra special to receive this recognition while we’re turning 40,” he says. “Being around that long means we must be doing something right. It’s a testament to our team, our customers, and the community that has supported us from day one.” Founded in Akaroa in 1985 with just eight passengers, Black Cat Cruises has grown into a leading eco-tourism provider, offering dolphin encounters, wildlife tours, and ferry services. The company expanded its operations to Lyttelton in 1999 with the winning of the Diamond Harbour Ferry contract. Paul credits much of Black Cat’s longevity to its environmental focus and commitment to the region’s Hector’s Dolphins. “We try to get close to the dolphins every day so our customers can see them, but we do it responsibly, following marine regulations,” he says. “We’re their advocates. They can’t speak for themselves, so we protect them and the wider marine environment of Banks Peninsula.” The company’s 40th anniversary was marked with a community celebration in Akaroa. The milestone coincides with exciting expansion plans, with Black Cat taking over the Dolphin Encounter operation in Kaikōura on November 1. The Kaikōura business, operating for 34 years, is world-renowned for its dolphin swimming experiences. Black Cat plans to retain the staff and build on the existing operation, bringing its own style of eco-tourism further north. The past decade has not been without challenges, particularly for Canterbury. The earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent tourism downturns tested Black Cat Cruises, particularly as international visitors account for around 70 percent of Akaroa cruises. “The key was managing to weather those storms and coming out the other side. In the last couple of years, we’ve seen good numbers returning,” Paul says. Looking ahead, the biggest hurdle is staffing. “Finding suitably trained skippers and crew is a challenge. We’re investing in training young people and bringing them up through the ranks to keep growing.” Black Cat Cruises offers a range of experiences across Banks Peninsula, including intimate Hector’s dolphin swims, ferry services to Quail and Ripapa islands, and the Diamond Harbour ferry. Cruises allow visitors to experience Akaroa’s dramatic volcanic cliffs, fur seal colonies, and marine birdlife while learning about conservation efforts aimed at protecting New Zealand’s smallest and rarest dolphin species. “Each trip is guided by knowledgeable skippers and nature guides, offering commentary on wildlife and conservation,” Paul says. “We want every visitor to understand the role we can all play in preserving these dolphins for future generations.” The company’s nomination at the 2025 New Zealand Tourism Awards sits alongside other high-profile finalists, including Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Christchurch Adventure Park. Paul says the recognition is about the team as much as the company itself. “To our team, your passion, your mahi, and your dedication to conservation is what makes this possible,” he said. “To our passengers and local community, your support has carried us through 40 incredible years. Thank you.” Black Cat Cruises’ combination of adventure, environmental stewardship, and community focus has firmly established it as a cornerstone of Canterbury tourism – and its next 40 years are already taking shape. ABRASIVE BLASTING & INDUSTRIAL/MARINE SPRAY PAINTING SPECIALISTS From large-scale dry dock marine projects to industrial steelwork, tanks and smaller vessels — we deliver high-quality abrasive blasting and spray-painting services. With dedicated Marine and Industrial divisions, we’re equipped for specialist dry dock work and onsite projects at our Bromley yard. All enquiries please email office@mbp.net.nz Country Feasts Catering WEDDING & EVENTS CATERING www.countryfeasts.co.nz
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