Leave your cruise ship behind to board a catamaran that can show you the many natural wonders around Akaroa Harbour. Journey around an extinct volcanic crater as you watch the local wildlife, including the rare Hector's dolphin, in the water below. Then see the organically formed amphitheater.

Set sail on a 60-foot (18-m) catamaran and glide through the shimmering waters of Akaroa Harbour. Feel the imposing majesty of the sheer volcanic cliffs as your guide tells you interesting tidbits about their formation and the history of the area. Keep your eyes peeled for your chance to sight one of the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, Hector's dolphin.

Stop at Seal Bay to see the New Zealand Fur Seals as they sit on the rocks or bob their heads out of the water. If you're lucky, you may even spot the world's smallest penguin, the White Flippered Blue Penguin.

Visit Lucas Bay to look at a salmon farm where thousands of salmon from fingerlings to adult fish are farmed in a series of cages. As you approach you can see the world-famous Akaroa Salmon jumping out of the water.

As Akaroa Harbour was a live volcano millions of years ago, there are many spectacular ancient lava flows to be seen. Marvel at a cliff that has a sheer 500-foot (152-m) face and fascinating history, and see Nikau Palm Gully at the southernmost limit for these tropical palm trees. There is also the incredible Scenery Nook, an amazing pink, purple, and red volcanic amphitheater that leaves you breathless before you return to the shore.