Short answer: On 11 September 2026 DOC announced a new 10-year moratorium on new marine mammal tourism permits around Banks Peninsula / Te Pātāka-o-Rākaihautū. The six operators in Akaroa and Lyttelton keep their permits, so dolphin trips still run, but no new operators can join. Explera DMC New Zealand books group places with permitted operators well ahead.
The dolphins in question are Hector's dolphins, which DOC describes as one of the world's smallest dolphins. They are classed as Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable.
What did DOC announce?
- A new 10-year moratorium. No new marine mammal tourism permits will be issued in the area. The previous 10-year moratorium expired on 16 September 2026.
- A wider area. The old moratorium covered Akaroa Harbour only. The new one covers all waters around Banks Peninsula, from the mouth of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary / Ihutai to Birdlings Flat.
- Existing permits continue. The six operators already permitted in Akaroa and Lyttelton are not affected.
- The reason. DOC said it wants to protect the species while allowing sustainable tourism, and to focus on monitoring, research and compliance. It also said the wider area gives the dolphins quieter places outside the harbour to feed and socialise.
What does it mean for a group?
- Supply stays fixed. With no new operators for ten years, the number of permitted boats stays where it is. On busy days, especially when a cruise ship is in Akaroa, places go quickly.
- Book early for larger groups. We hold boat places for a group as soon as the Akaroa date is set, and we split a large group across sailings if one boat cannot take everyone.
- Set expectations. These are wild animals, so sightings are not guaranteed. We brief clients on that before they travel.
- Plan the day around the harbour. Akaroa is usually a day trip from Christchurch, so the sailing time sets the timing of the whole day.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan Akaroa days for groups as part of a Christchurch or Canterbury programme. See our Akaroa guide, our Kaikōura and Akaroa marine wildlife briefing, cruises and water experiences and our nature and wildlife overview.
FAQ
Can groups still take dolphin trips at Akaroa? Yes. The six operators already permitted in Akaroa and Lyttelton keep their permits. The moratorium only stops new permits.
How long does the moratorium last? Ten years. DOC announced it on 11 September 2026, as the previous 10-year moratorium expired on 16 September 2026.
What area does it cover? All waters around Banks Peninsula, from the mouth of the Avon-Heathcote Estuary / Ihutai to Birdlings Flat. The old one covered Akaroa Harbour only.
Which dolphins live around Banks Peninsula? Hector's dolphins, one of the world's smallest dolphins, classed as Threatened – Nationally Vulnerable.
Are dolphin sightings guaranteed? No. They are wild animals, and we tell clients so before they travel.
Sources
- Moratorium on new marine mammal permits, Department of Conservation, 11 September 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
