If you arriving at Akaroa aboard a cruise ship, you will first sail through an opening between Timutimu and Akaroa Heads then drop anchor about three-quarters into the 10 mile Akaroa Harbour. Tenders will bring you to the Main Wharf. Many passengers immediately board sightseeing excursions to explore the scenery of the 1,170 acre Akaroa Marine Reserve plus enjoy the area’s abundant wildlife. You may see migrating whales, New Zealand fur seals plus rare Hector’s dolphins and white-flipped penguins; both species are the world’s smallest. Flying in the sky are countless seabirds including red-billed gulls, Australian gannets, cormorants and an occasional albatross.
