Akaroa Dolphins, a family-owned and locally operated enterprise, provides 2-hour nature cruises within the harbour on a modern and environmentally conscious catamaran. The focus is on delivering a personalised experience. The primary objective is to introduce guests to the endangered Hector’s dolphins, aided by their skilled dolphin-spotting dogs. A portion of each passenger's fee contributes to dolphin research and education.
The founders, Hugh and Pip Waghorn, are deeply rooted in the Banks Peninsula area for several generations. Transitioning from farming after 23 years, they identified an opening and acquired the tourism venture 'Bluefin Charters' in 2004. Recognising the need for distinctive, upscale, and intimate cruises, they formulated a laid-back nature expedition that has now become the most deluxe nature encounter in Akaroa. This venture employs 10 staff members and is supported by daughter Julia and son George, who joined in 2015.
Over the years, Akaroa Dolphins has garnered accolades, including the Tourism Small Enterprise award at the Champion Canterbury Business Awards in 2015. It has been lauded as the top tour in Akaroa on TripAdvisor. Kiwi Bank featured the company in its 'Business Success Stories' campaign in 2018. The commitment to sustainability earned them the Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award from QualMark in 2021 and B Corp certification in 2023.
In 2014, the establishment of the Akaroa Marine Reserve, a project that Hugh and Pip contributed to after two decades of discussions, was a significant conservation achievement. Giving back to the community has been a consistent goal, manifesting through sponsorships and complimentary cruises for local children. A notable moment was in 2019 when Akaroa Dolphins donated $30,000 toward the construction of Akaroa's new hospital.
Company Details
- Employees
- 7
- Founded
- -
- Address
- 65 Beach Road, Akaroa,new Zealand
- Industry
- Travel Arrangements
- NAICS
-
Travel Arrangement and Reservation ServicesTravel AgenciesTour OperatorsOther Travel Arrangement and Reservation ServicesConvention and Visitors BureausAll Other Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services
- Keywords
- Dolphin Watching, Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises, Akaroa Boat Tours, Private Charters, Luxury Cruises.
- Competitors
- Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust, CMA CGM.
Akaroa Dolphins Questions
Akaroa Dolphins's website is https://www.akaroadolphins.co.nz/
Akaroa Dolphins's LinkedIn profile is https://nz.linkedin.com/company/akaroadolphins
Akaroa Dolphins has
7 employees.
View email and phone details for 7
employees at Akaroa Dolphins.
Akaroa Dolphins's industry is
Travel Arrangements
Akaroa Dolphins's top competitors are
Te Uru Amokura | Springboard Trust,
Cma Cgm.
Akaroa Dolphins's categories are Travel Arrangements
Akaroa Dolphins's founding year is 2004
