New Zealand: Black Cat Cruises has acquired iconic Kaikōura eco-tourism business Encounter Kaikoura after 36 years of marine wildlife leadership – Image: Black Cat Cruises
Well known New Zealand wildlife cruise company Black Cat Cruises has acquired iconic Kaikōura eco-tourism operator Encounter Kaikoura. This move marks a significant milestone for both businesses and the wider New Zealand marine tourism industry. The sale brings Encounter Kaikoura’s internationally renowned Dolphin Encounter and Albatross Encounter under the Black Cat Cruises umbrella.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Encounter Kaikoura into the Black Cat Cruises family,” says Paul Bingham, Director of Black Cat Cruises. “This is a natural alignment of two businesses that share a deep commitment to marine conservation, authentic visitor experiences, and the communities we operate in.”
Established in 1989 by Ian Bradshaw and Rik Buurman who were later joined by Lynette and Dennis Buurman, Encounter Kaikoura has spent the past 36 years building one of Aotearoa’s most respected and recognisable eco-tourism brands. Their Dolphin Encounter tour — offering visitors the chance to swim with wild dusky dolphins in their natural habitat — has become a must-do New Zealand wildlife experience, drawing travellers from across the globe.
For the founding trio, the decision to sell was a significant and emotional one.
“It’s bittersweet, of course,” says Lynette Buurman, on behalf of the founding partners. “But after 36 wonderful years, we felt the time was right to step back. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built — and confident that Black Cat Cruises is the right team to continue and grow what we started.”
“We’ve long admired the way Lynette, Dennis, and Ian have run Encounter Kaikoura — with integrity, purpose, and a genuine love for their environment and community,” says Bingham. “They’ve created something truly special, and we’re honoured to carry that legacy forward and continue to build on the business they have so successfully created.”
Encounter Kaikoura will continue to operate under its current name, with no planned changes to its core experiences, brand, or team. The customer experience will remain unchanged — though now with the added support and resources of Black Cat Cruises behind it.
“Our goal is to support and strengthen the incredible work that’s already happening in Kaikōura,” says Bingham. “We’re not here to reinvent anything – we’re here to invest, learn, and grow, while ensuring this world-class destination continues to thrive.”
Swimming with dolphins is one of Encounter Kaikoura’s internationally recognized wildlife encounters – Image: Encounter Kaikoura
For Black Cat Cruises, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the move is part of a long-term vision to expand its conservation-driven tourism offerings across Aotearoa. Known for its dolphin swimming and harbour cruises in Akaroa and Lyttelton, Black Cat Cruises has been a trailblazer in responsible tourism since 1985.
Both businesses are Qualmark Gold certified and DOC SMART operators (Department of Conservation certified), with strong reputations for their conservation and community work. Every ticket sold contributes to Hector’s dolphin research, with over $20,000 donated in the past year alone.
This announcement comes at a time of notable recognition for Black Cat Cruises. They were named a finalist in the New Zealand Tourism Awards in the Tourism Excellence – Small to Medium Business category. Internationally, Black Cat Cruises also took home third place in its category at the prestigious SKÅL International Sustainable Tourism Awards in September this year.
“This acquisition allows us to connect two world-class marine environments – Akaroa and Kaikōura- under one mission: to deliver unforgettable, ethical wildlife experiences that support long-term conservation,” says Bingham.
As the sun sets on an extraordinary chapter for Encounter Kaikoura, a new era begins — one that continues to honour the past while looking firmly to the future. (NAN 07-11-25)
Black Cat Cruises visit: https://www.blackcat.co.nz/
Encounter Kaikoura: https://www.dolphinencounter.co.nz/ & https://www.albatrossencounter.co.nz/
