Bank's Peninsula sits to the east of Canterbury Plains.
It consists of steep ridges of volcanic stone, with valleys and harbours throughout.
The two biggest harbours are the Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours.
Lyttelton is the port of Christchurch.
It has an inner port that is protected by a mole.
The outer port is for the larger container and coal ships.
[Apr 2013].
The Lyttelton was a steam tug for the busy port of Lyttelton.
It went into service in 1907 and was initially named Canterbury.
It was renamed Lyttelton in 1911.
Here the old steam ship participated in the celebration of 150 years of railways in New Zealand.
[Oct 2013].
In 1971 the Lyttelton was retired.
The ship was not scrapped, but preserved.
The Tug Lyttelton Preservation Society was formed in 1973 and since that year the tug is used to carry passengers.
Here, it enters the inner harbour of Lyttelton while the ferry to Diamond Harbour leaves the port.
[Mar 2013].
Lyttelton particulars: length: 35.2m; width: 7.65m; speed: 12.4 knots; passengers: 99.
[Mar 2013].
The steam tug Lyttelton arrives back in the inner harbour while two ferries leave the port.
[Jan 2020].
The remains of the first steam tug in Lyttelton, the Mullogh, sit now beached at Quail Island.
Its prominent boiler is visible.
Alongside it are the remains of the first steam tug named Lyttelton.
Immediately to their right are the remains of the steam launch Waiwera, which was used as a ferry between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour.
The prominent remains belong to the large barque Darra.
Beyond that sailing ship are the remains of the schooner Frank Guy.
Just the shadowy outline of the barque La Plata are visible in deeper water.
[Jan 2024].
A ferry service operates between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour.
It is normally operated by the catamaran Black Diamond, which was specifically built for this service.
Here the ship leaves from the wharf in Diamond Harbour.
[Jun 2020].
Black Diamond particulars: Length: 12.0m; Width: 4.0m; Speed: 22 kn; Passengers: 45;
Builder: Q-West, Whanganui, New Zealand.
The Black Diamond entered service in 2001.
[Jun 2020].
The Black Diamond arrives in Lyttelton alongside the steam tug Lyttelton
and the other harbour ferries.
She has just passed a bulk ship discharging fertiliser.
[Sep 2020].
The Black Diamond was built in 2001 specifically for the service between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour.
It replaced old, historic ferries, such as the Onawe.
Here the ship arrives in Lyttelton.
[Jan 2021].
The wharf in Diamond Harbour is an old structure that is due to be partly replaced.
The Black Diamond moves away astern from the wharf.
[Jan 2021].
The Black Diamond is owned by Black Cat Cruises.
This company formed in 1985 as Akaroa Harbour Cruises to operate tourist vessels on the Akaroa Cruises.
It later expanded to Lyttelton and changed its name to Black Cat Group Ltd in 1999.
[Jan 2021].
The Black Diamond arrives in the Lyttelton Inner Harbour after crossing over from Diamond Harbour.
[Sep 2023].
The tug Lyttelton was out of service at the time when the Black Diamond
motored from the Lyttelton ferry wharf through the port.
[Oct 2023].
The Black Diamond travels across Lyttelton Harbour.
In the background is the large quarry from which rocks for the reclamation in Lyttelton were taken.
[Oct 2023].
By late 2023 the wharf in Diamond Harbour had been upgraded.
It now has a floating pontoon, so that it is easier to get on and off the ferry at all tidal levels.
The Black Diamond arrives in Diamond Harbour.
[Oct 2023].
The old part of the Diamond Harbour wharf was renovated.
New plastic planks now cover the wharf, which is mainly used for fishing now.
The Black Diamond has departed from Diamond Harbour.
[Oct 2023].
The Black Diamond has departed from Diamond Harbour on a nice spring day.
[Oct 2023].
The Black Diamond also operates some of the trips to Quail Island.
This island is in Lyttelton Harbour and is now a reserve.
It has beautiful beaches, regenerating bush and a hut, where people can stay overnight.
[Oct 2023].
The Quail Island jetty is on the south-eastern side of the island.
The Black Diamond has arrived at Quail Island just after midday.
Several passengers have disembarked and now walk ashore along the jetty.
[Jan 2024].
The Black Diamond has left the Quail Island jetty and returns to Lyttelton.
The view through the Macrocarpa trees shows that the jetty is not in a sheltered bay of the island.
[Jan 2024].
The Black Diamond makes its way across Lyttelton Harbour to Quail Island.
Quail Island is now administered by the Department of Conservation.
Black Cat Cruises provide a commercial ferry service up to three times a day to the island.
No doubt part of the fares is paid to the Department of Conservation under a concession.
[Jan 2024].
On its usual run between Diamond Harbour and Lyttelton, the Black Diamond
passes the dramatic backdrop of Banks Peninsula.
[Jan 2024].
The Black Diamond at Diamond Harbour.
From Diamond Harbour there's a walking track to Mt Herbert, the highest mountain on Banks Peninsula at 919 m above sea level.
[Feb 2024].
The Black Diamond turns to leave Diamond Harbour for Lyttelton.
[Apr 2024].
That day a humpback whale swam in Lyttelton Harbour.
[Apr 2024].
The whale came closer to Diamond Harbour and surfaced a couple of times, gracefully arching back into the water.
[Apr 2024].
The Black Diamond arriving at Diamond Harbour.
[Apr 2024].
The Black Diamond leaves Diamond Harbour.
[May 2024].
On a rainy day the Black Diamond is on its way to return to Lyttelton.
[Jul 2024].
The Black Diamond approaches the jetty on Quail Island.
Passengers already wait to board the ferry back to Lyttelton.
[Jan 2025].
After the Black Pearl went into service the Black Diamond continued to operate as a back-up ferry and was used on services such as on the Quail Island run.
[Jan 2025].
In late 2025 the Black Diamond was refurbished and now has the colours of Metro, the Canterbury public transport brand.
Here it is tied up in Lyttelton.
[Feb 2026].
The Fiordlander I was built in 1963 for tourism on Lake Manapouri in Fiordland.
In total 7 vessels of the Fiordlander class were built.
Here, the Fiordlander I is leaving Diamond Harbour.
[Jan 2023].
Fiordlander I particulars: length: 16.4m; Passengers:92 pax.
[Jan 2023].
The Fiordlander I was used for some time as a backup vessel for the Diamond Harbour - Lyttelton ferry service.
Here the ship arrives at the Diamond Harbour wharf.
[Jan 2023].
This is the interior of the Fiordlander I from the back.
It shows the upper cabin and then the lower cabin.
Clearly, the vessel looks quite old inside by now.
[Jan 2023].
With Mt Herbert in the background, the Fiordlander I arrives in Lyttelton after crossing over from Diamond Harbour.
It seems that by late 2023, the Fiordlander I was no longer in service.
[Apr 2023].
The Canterbury Cat was used in Lyttelton Harbour for cruises and to bring day trippers to some of the islands in the Harbour.
Here the Canterbury Cat is tied up in Lyttelton.
[Jan 2021].
Canterbury Cat particulars: Length: 16.90m; Passengers: 83 to 92 pax.
The vessel was built in the late 1980s and has been part of the Black Cat Cruises fleet since 1988.
[Jan 2023].
This is the view from the top deck of the Canterbury Cat as it approaches the jetty of Quail Island.
[Jan 2024].
The Canterbury Cat cruises across the Lyttelton Harbour on its way to Quail Island.
[Jan 2024].
With Mt Bradley in the background, the Canterbury Cat turns to land at the Quail Island jetty.
Mt Bradley is named after the Bradley Family.
Rev Robert Reginald Bradley arrived in New Zealand in 1856 to become the Vicar of Papanui at St Paul's Anglican Church.
He took on farming to supplement his income and later moved the family to Charteris Bay.
The farm was later taken over by his son Orton Bradley, who later gifted it as a private park for all visitors to enjoy.
[Jan 2024].
The Canterbury Cat has left Quail Island to return a load of day trippers to Lyttelton again.
Meanwhile the few people that are staying overnight on the island have it more peaceful now.
Ōtamahua Hut can accommodate up to 12 people. There is also a camping ground, where people can pitch their tent.
[Jan 2024].
The Canterbury Cat on Lyttelton Harbour.
The New Zealand Red Ensign is flown.
This is often regarded as New Zealand's naval flag.
In fact, New Zealand ships may fly the standard New Zealand flag or the Red Ensign.
[Jan 2024].
The Canterbury Cat arrives in Lyttelton Port.
[Apr 2024].
The Canterbury Cat travels along Lyttelton Harbour on harbour voyage for cruise ship passengers.
[Dec 2024].
As the Canterbury Cat moves across the Lyttelton Harbour, the steps of the stone quarry for the reclamation in Lyttelton can be seen in the background.
[Dec 2024].
In late 2023, the Spirit joined the fleet of Black Cat Cruises to replace the Fiordlander Ias a standby vessel for
the Diamond Harbour Ferry or other Lyttelton Harbour vessels.
The Spirit is 14 m long and can carry 49 passengers.
[Oct 2023].
In September 2024 a new vessel was launched to operate the ferry service between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour.
The Black Pearl was built by Icon Custom Boats in nearby Rangiora.
It has a far greater capacity of 95 passengers.
On busy days passengers had previously often been left behind.
[Sep 2024].
The four Lyttelton-based vessels of Black Cat Cruises are seen together in Lyttelton, together with a port tug.
The Canterbury Cat is used for charters and trips to the islands around Lyttelton Harbour.
The Black Pearl is the new ferry between Lyttelton and Diamond Harbour, occasionally also undertaking trips to the islands.
The Black Diamond is still retained on standby to cover for the other two vessels, and may still sometimes be seen on the ferry run to Diamond Harbour.
The Spirit is a further backup vessel for more charters or when things get really busy. We'll see how long all these vessels will be retained.
[Sep 2024].
Black Pearl particulars: Length: 16.0m; Width: 5.45m; Speed: 22 kn; Passengers: 95;
[Sep 2024].
Inside the Black Pearl is spacious and light with large panorama windows.
The inside cabin is also heated and has comfortable seats.
This is the view from the front starboard seats.
[Sep 2024].
The Black Pearl has left Diamond Harbour and travels back across Lyttelton Harbour to Lyttelton.
The large antenna on top of the peak Sugar Loaf stands out on the Port Hills.
[Sep 2024].
The Black Pearl enters Lyttelton Port past the Lyttelton Harbour Lighthouse.
[Oct 2024].
The Black Pearl passes the heavy-lift ship Eemslift Nadine as the second of a new locomotive class, the DM class,
gets unloaded in Lyttelton.
The steam tug Lyttelton is currently out of action for boiler repairs.
[Oct 2024].
The current Black Cat cruises fleet in Lyttelton Harbour, right to left:
Spirit, Black Diamond, Black Pearl, and Canterbury Cat.
Behind them are rescue and pilot boat LPC Rescue, pilot launch Awaroa and tug Blackadder.
[Nov 2024].
The Black Pearl leaves Diamond Harbour on its way back to Lyttelton.
[Nov 2024].
On one of its many trips Black Pearl crosses Lyttelton Harbour.
[Nov 2024].
The interior of the passenger cabin of the Black Pearl.
The seats are relatively comfortable and the cabin feels spacious.
There is a life vest under each seat.
[Nov 2024].
The Black Pearl leaves Diamond Harbour.
In the background is the sailing vessel Fox II.
[Dec 2024].
The Black Pearl arrives in Diamond Harbour.
The ferry carries both locals living in Diamond Harbour and other areas on the eastern shore of Lyttelton Harbour,
as well as visitors to this scenic and sunny spot on the harbour.
[Dec 2024].
The Black Pearl also has space for bicycles on its outside aft deck.
[Dec 2024].
A child watches the Black Pearl pass by from the Black Diamond in Lyttelton Harbour.
[Jan 2025].
Night is falling as the Black Pearl leaves Lyttelton on its way to Diamond Harbour.
[Jan 2025].
The Black Pearl arrives in Lyttelton.
In the background is the Lyttelton Lighthouse and further back the steep cliffs of Quail Island.
[Feb 2025].
The Black Pearl arrives at the floating jetty in Diamond Harbour.
After it is secured with a rope near the bow, the deckhand then opens the door at the aft.
[Feb 2025].
The aft deck of the Black Pearl has space for bicycles or scooters.
It is also a fun location to experience some of the wind and waves.
[Feb 2026].
The aft deck of the Black Pearl has space for bicycles or scooters.
It is also a fun location to experience some of the wind and waves.
[Feb 2026].
The Black Pearl departs from Diamond Harbour with a good load of people returning to the city from a music festival at Diamond Harbour.
[Feb 2026].
Sugar Loaf is a peak of the Port Hills that is sometimes coated with snow in winter.
These days its most distinguishable feature is the large communication tower on top of it.
The peak overlooks Lyttelton Harbour.
Here, the Black Pearl crosses the harbour on one of its many shuttle trips.
[Feb 2026].
The Black Cat is the ship after which Black Cat Cruises is named.
It was built in 1993 in Australia and came to the Akaroa Harbour in 1997.
Here it is at the wharf in Akaroa.
[Jul 2022].
The Black Cat was used for many years as the main dolphin viewing vessel in the Akaroa Harbour.
The Hector's Dolphin is one of the world's smallest dolphins and is at home in the sea around Bank's Peninsula.
[Jul 2022].
Black Cat particulars: length: 17.35m; width: 7.25m; speed: 18 knots ;Passengers: 99 pax.
[Jul 2022].
On a fine summer day the Black Cat returns to Akaroa from dolphin viewing cruise.
[Dec 2024].
Inside the harbour the sea is normally relatively calm, but at the entrance, where the dolphins are often found,
the sea can be somewhat rough and more sensitive passengers get seasick.
On the distant shore the former army buildings at Tikao Bay can be seen,
as the Black Cat returns to Akaroa.
[Dec 2024].
As the Black Cat approaches the Akaroa Wharf it turns port-side to.
This allows passengers to disembark and embark on the port side of the vessel and the vessel to head straight out into the harbour from the wharf.
The Black Cat was definitely the most well-known and busiest of the Akaroa dolphin cruise vessels.
[Dec 2024].
In summer the Black Cat left for at least three cruises each day.
Here it returns from an afternoon cruise.
Akaroa Harbour is surrounded by hills up to 841 m above sea level.
[Dec 2024].
On 30 January 2026 a tourist is about to board the Black Cat.
Little did she know that this would we be one of the last voyages of the vessel.
During the morning cruise on 31 January 2026 the Black Cat struck a rock in Nikau Palm Valley Bay and took on water.
All passengers and crew could be evacuated.
Wave action smashed the Black Cat to pieces and the remains were later recovered.
The Black Cat was claimed by the harbour she travelled on for nearly 30 years.
[Jan 2026].
The Cat 2 was built specifically for swimming with the dolphins.
Here it is in Akaroa.
[Jul 2022].
The Cat 2 is here in Lyttelton Harbour, where she briefly was a support vessel.
Cat 2 particulars: length: 12.80 m; Passengers: 25 pax.
[Sep 2023].
The Cat 2 sits alongside the Main Wharf in Akaroa.
It has new blue-green colours as the company slowly rebrands.
[Dec 2024].
Akaroa Wharf is busy, with the Cat 2 and Wairiri tied up and the Akaroa Dolphin coming alongside.
The three ships are from three different operators, all offering nature experience cruises on Akaroa Harbour.
[Dec 2024].
The Akaroa Dolphin is owned by a Akaroa Dolphins, another company offering dolphin cruises from Akaroa.
The vessel was launched in 2019. It is 14.67 m long and can carry up to 50 passengers.
[Jul 2022].
The Akaroa Dolphin returns to Akaroa.
At times Akaroa can get quite busy with dolphin viewing vessels, private boats and other vessels coming and going.
[Dec 2024].
Even though the Akaroa Dolphin is also a catamaran, it looks and feels more like a yacht.
The price is slightly higher than a cruise on the Black Cat.
Here the Akaroa Dolphin sits at Akaroa Wharf, ready to take more passengers on another trip.
[Dec 2024].
The Akaroa Dolphin departs Akaroa.
A glass of bubbly wine or juice is complimentary,
and the advertising emphasises that this is a cruise in style.
[Dec 2024].
The Wairiri is a slower, older vessel that offers general wildlife cruises on the Akaroa Harbour.
The cruise is slightly cheaper and longer and does not target viewing Hector's dolphins.
Any possible encounters are chance encounters initiated by the dolphins.
The Wairiri is a launch built in 1964 with Kauri timber.
It is 11.60 m long and can carry 35 passengers.
[Dec 2024].
The Tutumairekurai belongs to EcoSeaker in Akaroa.
This company offers swimming with the dolphins and harbour cruises in a smaller vessel.
It is a locally-owned small company.
The Tutumairekurai is 12.50 m long and can carry 12 passengers.
Here, the Tutumairekurai sits alongside the Akaroa Wharf.
It seems it did not venture out that day.
[Dec 2024].
The Fox II is yet another vessel offering wildlife cruises on Akaroa Harbour.
She is a sailing ship built in 1922, mainly from Kauri timber.
Originally a cargo vessel, the ship later operated as a fishing vessel, before being converted to a private yacht and then
a public sailing vessel.
The Fox II sits at Daly's Wharf in Akaroa.
[Dec 2024].
The Fox II motors into Akaroa Harbour.
The vessel is 14.19 m long and can carry 30 passengers.
[Dec 2024].
The Fox II can also be seen in the Lyttelton Harbour.
Here she is in Diamond Harbour teaching sailing skills.
[Dec 2024].
The Fox II is under sail on the Lyttelton Harbour.
On this occasion she was used as a sailing training vessel.
[Dec 2024].