Water Tours
2–3 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
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₱3,557
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Coast Up Close
Coast Up Close
5
Boat ToursFishing Charters & ToursSightseeing ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Join us for a wildlife tour that explores the spectacular volcanic coastline and abundant wildlife of Banks Peninsula and Akaroa. Our wildlife tour numbers are kept limited, offering you a small and intimate tour that will take you where others can’t, with amazing views of New Zealand’s wildlife. Our friendly and knowledgeable crew love meeting and talking with our guests and Scruffy, our friendly boat dog, joins us on afternoon trips! Tony, a real Kiwi, has been exploring the waters around the Peninsula since the 1960s. He’ll entertain you with his the stories of his adventures and share his enthusiasm for this wonderful environment and stunning wildlife. Our characterful and comfortable boat - Wairiri, is a 41-foot Kauri Launch built in 1964.
Akaroa, New Zealand
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
346 reviews
Excellent
330
Very good
13
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Michelle
1 contribution
Mar 2021
We recently booked a private fishing charter for 10 people including 4 school aged children. This trip was much anticipated as my father had wanted to book a trip for us all to experience sea fishing and Tony did not disappoint! Tony was so welcoming and knowledgeable about the area. We got to se dolphins jump out the water and swim alongside the boat. There was plenty of room for us all to fish with great results. Tony had laid some cray pots one had a small shark in it the kids thought was so cool! We highly recommend Tony's charter for anyone seeking the thrill of a great catch!
Written March 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frédérique d
Venlo, The Netherlands3 contributions
Mar 2020
I did two trips on one day because I love the way Tony handles nature, guests and his ship. Tony provides a personal cruise for his passengers. He tell's a lot about nature and culture. He doesn't have to search for dolphins, they find him because he has such a nice ship. They love to be pushed in the bow waves.
The cruise is Coast up Close and that's exactly what you get. Close to the seal colony, close to interesting things on the coastline and close to the dolphins. He searches for albatrosses also and points out the smaller birds.
I highly recommend this trip because Tony is very secure about not disturbing wildlife. As I mentioned earlier... the wildlife comes to him.
Frederique de Bruijn
The cruise is Coast up Close and that's exactly what you get. Close to the seal colony, close to interesting things on the coastline and close to the dolphins. He searches for albatrosses also and points out the smaller birds.
I highly recommend this trip because Tony is very secure about not disturbing wildlife. As I mentioned earlier... the wildlife comes to him.
Frederique de Bruijn
Written April 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Frederique for your great review. We love getting feedback and honest reviews from our guests. It shows us whether or not we are getting things right. It is especially rewarding when we have guests like yourself who do our morning tour and enjoy it so much that you come again for the afternoon trip.From myself and the crew we hope you had safe trip home and would like to see you again in Akaroa one day.
Written April 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ColinG R
London, UK18 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Excellent trip run by Tony Muir. Price was 85 NZD reduced by 10% for Top10 members, bargain. Trip lasted about 2.5 hours during which Tony provided lots of useful information. Saw Hector dolphins swimming in front of the boat, penguins feeding, krill, seals and pups, an albatross and many other birds. Of the three wild life boat trips we did in New Zealand this was the best. Ring Tony and booked and pay on the day. There were about 30 people on the boat total with plenty of opportunity to move around, very relaxed. Outside the bay can be breezy so take a jacket. The cliffs and scenery were fantastic and we visited several of the caves. Great time and more personalised than other larger operators. Call 0800 126 278 info@coastupclose.co.nz
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi cOlingr
Thank you for joining our Wildlife Cruise and your lovely review. We are stoked to be top on the list of your boat trips in New Zealand - there is so much to see out here and every trip is special. A jacket is definitely always a good idea - even on the hottest of days in Akaroa it can be a little cooler on the water. We hope the rest of your travels is going well.
Cheers, Tony and crew
Written March 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris A
Hampshire, UK13 contributions
Feb 2020
Tony and his crew excelled in giving us a close up encounter with the Hector's Dolphin's who seem to single out his boat as it proceeds through the waters. The array of wildlife that we saw, especially the white flipper penguin and the Blue penguins in a bay, plus the Fur Seals and their pups on the rocks were stunning. Added to this Tony is keen to show the Geological structures from the Volcanic activity in the previous ages, as one edges close and closer to these huge overhanging cliffs. An abundance of birds, either flying or nesting was also included on the 2 and half tour. Great value for money; friendly crew, even their dog Scruffy is part of the Wow factor.
Written March 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Grommitsupporter
Thank you for joining our afternoon wildlife cruise and your great review. We love to show off all this place has on offer, the wildlife and volcanic coastline . We are very happy you enjoyed it all and we agree, Scruffy is the best!
Cheers, Tony, Mafi and Scruffy
Written March 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Foru_K
Toronto, Canada32 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
What a fantastic morning with Tony and Nick!!! We were running just a few minutes late and Tony waited for us. It wasn't a large group either which made the experience that much better! It was the perfect size to go to the top and bottom of the boat for great fantastic views!!
There were 5 of us and my parents are seniors and needed help on the ship. Nick and Tony were very helpful to make sure of their and everyone's comfort and safety! They even had warm jackets onboard for anyone feeling chilly from the sea weather!
The trip was just over 2.5 hours and we saw amazing wildlife in its natural habitat. First we saw a few penguins swimming in the ocean and then a small school of dolphins started following our boat. Tony slowed the boat down so we were able to get amazing pictures and see them play! What an amazing experience...the seals and birds were stunning to see as well!
Along they way, Nick and Tony shared great information about the wildlife, animals and birds of New Zealand and surrounding areas, protection programs and the beauty of New Zealand!
It was an absolutely lovely day and I would recommend this tour to everyone!
Thank you Tony and Nick for a great experience!
There were 5 of us and my parents are seniors and needed help on the ship. Nick and Tony were very helpful to make sure of their and everyone's comfort and safety! They even had warm jackets onboard for anyone feeling chilly from the sea weather!
The trip was just over 2.5 hours and we saw amazing wildlife in its natural habitat. First we saw a few penguins swimming in the ocean and then a small school of dolphins started following our boat. Tony slowed the boat down so we were able to get amazing pictures and see them play! What an amazing experience...the seals and birds were stunning to see as well!
Along they way, Nick and Tony shared great information about the wildlife, animals and birds of New Zealand and surrounding areas, protection programs and the beauty of New Zealand!
It was an absolutely lovely day and I would recommend this tour to everyone!
Thank you Tony and Nick for a great experience!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi ForKapa
Thank you for joining our morning trip and your wonderful review. It is important to us that our customers leave the boat happy. We hope the rest of your travels have gone well and please come back and visit again.
Cheers, Tony
Written January 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jwolf44
2 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I went on the boat to see the various wild creatures in and around the Harbor and Tony did not disappoint! Tony did an excellent job of spotting various dolphins, penguins, seals,and birds though out the tour. The other tour guide Nick was also super helpful and extremely knowledgeable on everything we saw. A very nice and polite young lad! The boat was kept in great shape and super clean. This tour exceeded my expectations in every way!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jowolford
Thank you for coming on one of our morning cruises. We are very happy you had a good time and could see all our special wildlife. We love our boat and do try and look after 'Wairiri'. See you again soon.
Cheers, Mafi
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jesu_Valdes
Dunedin, New Zealand23 contributions
Mar 2020
When choosing a tour operator in Akaroa the key thing for me (as a scientist and conservationist) is that the operator must hold a permit from the Department of Conservation of NZ (not all operators in Akaroa are permit holders). This ensures that the regulations on boating safely around protected wildlife will be guaranteed at all times and also means that the operator contributes with a levy to research and conservation efforts. Tony's "Coast up Close" company fulfils all these requirements so I was happy to join him on his boat for a tour. We got to see so many animals! Highlights were obviously the Hector's dolphins, but we also saw lots of white-flippered little blue penguins (the Canterbury subespecies), NZ fur seals (including lots of pups) and marine birds (such as cormorants, albatrosses and petrels). Tony is extremely knowledgable and passionate about his job and makes sure everyone has the best time. His crew (Nick) was lovely and took turns talking one-on-one with each passenger, provided good info and answered all the questions. I would definitely recommend Tony's tour!
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much for your review. Conservation of our marine wildlife is paramount to everything we do on the water. Having lived on the shores of this beautiful harbour since 1968 I am passionate about the quality of it's water and the conservation of all it's wildlife. I have noticed an increase in Hector dolphin numbers in and around Akaroa harbour over the years but there is still important work to be done on our conservation efforts. As owner operator of coast up close I can happily say that both my crew members ( Nick in the morning & Mafi with Scruffy in the afternoon ) are all lovely. Please come again. Regards Tony and crew.
Written March 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anna81989
Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany2 contributions
Feb 2020
We originally came for the dolphins, but Tony and his crew gave us so much more than that - fantastic caves, penguins, seals (so many pups) and very interesting side info. All that in a really small group compared to the other tours we saw. You even have the rare chance to see orcas! Tony takes pictures with his own camera and sends them to you in a stunning quality. Best choice if you want the whole package without paying a fortune!
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Anna
Thank you for coming on one of our Wildlife Cruises and your fabulous review. Yes, Orcas are always a treat and we are very happy you got to see them on our trip. We still get very excited when they are here which is only a few times a season. We hope the rest of your travels went well.
Cheers, Tony and crew
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RustyH
2 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Whilst visiting my sister in Akaroa, New Zealand, she recommended we head out on a boat trip with Tony at Coast Up Close...very glad we did...Tony, Muffy and Scruffy the dog were brilliant hosts and the trip was awesome.
As the name suggests, you are taken into some great spots to see the local wildlife up close and personal...dolphins, seals albatross and lots of others too.
Tony and the crew are super knowledgeable about the area and it’s history and wildlife and we felt extremely safe on their boat.
Would highly recommend you seek out Coast Up Close if you’re touring New Zealand South Island and call in at beautiful Akaroa.
As the name suggests, you are taken into some great spots to see the local wildlife up close and personal...dolphins, seals albatross and lots of others too.
Tony and the crew are super knowledgeable about the area and it’s history and wildlife and we felt extremely safe on their boat.
Would highly recommend you seek out Coast Up Close if you’re touring New Zealand South Island and call in at beautiful Akaroa.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Rustypie
Thank you for joining our tour and your amazing review. We are very pleased your sister recommended us to you. Join us again on your next visit to Akaroa.
Cheers, Tony, Mafi and Scruffy
Written March 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jim Quail
Liverpool, UK1 contribution
Dec 2021 • Family
We really enjoyed the cruise with Coast Up Close, Tony and Mafi (& Scruffy) are fantastic and very friendly guides with lots of fascinating information and stories. We saw lots of Hector dolphins and were lucky enough to see a huge pod of Bottle nose Dolphins, seals, penguins and much more really up close to the boat. Our kids were really excited to see Tony stopping the boat to catch any rubbish that he spotted in the water, it was inspiring to see someone taking the time to help keep a beautiful place beautiful. We’d definitely recommend Coast Up Close, it was a fantastic experience.
Written December 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What kind of rooms are 51, 52 and 53? Where are they located and are they first or second floor?
Written July 29, 2015
This question about room numbers does not relate to Coast Up Close cruises in Akaroa Harbour. This is a small ship that does fantastic day trips.
0 seconds ago
Written July 30, 2015
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