new boats launch well received

The warmth of the spring sun reflected the feelings of close to 100 people as they witnessed new boats being launched in Akaroa for the first time in over 10 years on Friday 17 October.

Black Cat Cruises commissioned the two purpose built boats worth $365,000 that were officially launched by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker in front of an enthusiastic crowd of tourism industry, council representatives and Banks Peninsula locals.

“Dolphin swimming and wildlife cruises bring thousands of visitors into our region every year,”
Black Cat Cruises Managing Director Paul Bingham said.

“It is vital we can provide a world class experience that matches, and hopefully exceeds expectations. The new boats will mean we are even better placed to do that.”

The two boats – named Black Pearl and Black Knight - are purpose built; include several features that are a first for Osprey, the manufacturer of the dolphin swimming boats.

“Black Cat Cruises has a fantastic record of success,” Mayor Parker said. “From humble beginnings with canoes they are now a tourism leader that contributes so much to Akaroa and the Peninsulas’ economy.”

Bingham said guests at the launch were impressed by how quiet the new boats were.”

Black Cat Cruises has been operating for 22 years and is a former winner of the Supreme tourism award and is the largest tourism operator on Banks Peninsula.
ends
editors notes:
• The boats were made in Nelson and have been fitted out in Christchurch.
• The only place in the world you can swim with hectors dolphins is Akaroa Harbour.
• Hectors dolphins are very rare and native to New Zealand.
• Black Cat Cruises (BCC) is a former supreme tourism award winner with an impressive environmental programme and is Green Globe benchmarked and contributes over $70,000 annually to environmental and community projects.
• The Osprey boats are 8 meters in length and were made in Nelson.
• Engines and electronics fitted in Christchurch by Butler Marine with twin 150hp four stroke suzuki outboards: Engines are quieter and use less fuel than previous diesel engines.
• Built for maximum of 14 people, mostly 10 swimmers plus two crew meaning intimate groups.
• V shaped hull for good stability and a more comfortable.
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For more information please contact:
Paul Bingham
Black Cat Cruises Managing Director
0274 951 110
www.blackcat.co.nz

John McKenzie
enthuse ltd
021 384 730
03 384 7338