What's it like Swimming with Wild Dolphins in New Zealand
Swimming with wild dolphins might sound intimidating, and encounters with wild animals should only be undertaken with care and consideration. However, swimming with wild dolphins in New Zealand is an ethical, worthwhile and must-do activity, as Rico Pena explains.
There are a few options when it comes to swimming with dolphins in New Zealand, with tours running from Tauranga, the Marlborough Sounds, Akaroa and Kaikoura.
We chose Kaikoura, where the dusky dolphins are the stars of the show. It’s a stunning spot to take the plunge, with the Kaikoura Range of mountains providing a spectacular backdrop, especially when their peaks are dusted with snow.
Swimming with wild dolphins in Kaikoura
Located two and a half hours north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is home to an array of varied sea life. This is due to a mix of ocean currents and geography providing a constant stream of food close to shore, which makes Kaikoura a hub for marine life.
There are hundreds of dusky dolphins in residence year-round, as well as pods of New Zealand fur seals, albatross and whales. Sperm whales are resident year-round, while others, such as humpback whales, stop off here on their yearly migrations.
Swimming with wild dolphins in Kaikoura: How to get there
Christchurch’s international airport is the closest access point for those flying in from abroad or elsewhere in New Zealand. Car rental is relatively affordable here (we usually use Bargain Car Rentals), and it’s only a two and a half hour drive from the airport to Kaikoura.
Another way of getting to Kaikoura is on the Coastal Pacific Train operated by Great Journeys. Accessed from either Picton or Christchurch, the journey from Picton to Kaikoura is particularly scenic and a great way to reach Kaikoura from the north. The Kaikoura train station is located right by the coast, and there is plenty of accommodation within walking distance.
Are the Dolphins in Kaikoura Really Wild?
Yes, the dolphins are wild and in the open ocean. They are not lured in with bait or trained in any way. These dusky dolphins are very intelligent and are naturally interested in people.
speeds towards them, stops nearby and sounds a horn, indicating that it’s time for everyone to jump in and splash around. The dolphins are intrigued and attracted to the noise and movement and might come over to investigate.
During our tour, we were advised to move, splash and make as much noise as possible – if you don’t entertain the dolphins, they won’t stick around – and the encounter is totally on their terms. As such, there is no guarantee you will get to swim with them. However, there is a good enough chance that the Dolphin Encounter tour company offered a money-back guarantee during our trip.
speeds towards them, stops nearby and sounds a horn, indicating that it’s time for everyone to jump in and splash around. The dolphins are intrigued and attracted to the noise and movement and might come over to investigate.
How Does Swimming with Wild Dolphins in New Zealand Work
Once a pod of dolphins has been located, the skipper manoeuvres the boat to a respectful distance from the pod and stops nearby. They will then sound a horn, indicating that it’s time for everyone to jump in and splash around while singing into their snorkels (yes, you do feel a bit ridiculous, but it’s what the dolphins like). If the dolphins are feeling sociable, they will swim over to investigate.
speeds towards them, stops nearby and sounds a horn, indicating that it’s time for everyone to jump in and splash around. The dolphins are intrigued and attracted to the noise and movement and might come over to investigate.
GoPro footage of how Swimming with Wild Dolphin tours work
The more noise you make and the faster you swim, the more the dolphins will hang around you. Spinning in circles while singing through our snorkels was a hit, and we had multiple dolphins within a metre of us. As you can see from our video, we could spin in circles just fast enough to keep their attention as they raced us.
GoPro footage of Swimming with Wild Dolphins in New Zealand
What Company Did We Use for swimming with wild dolphins in New Zealand
We decided to snorkel with Dolphin Encounter because of their environmental efforts, long-standing history, great reviews and money-back guarantee. The trip was seamless, from the wetsuit fitting, to the tour itself. The day starts with a briefing held at their store/cafe in Kaikoura. This was followed by a wetsuit fitting and a short walk to their boat.
Enjoying a hot drink on our Swimming with Wild Dolphins Tour
Tip: Plan to stay in Kaikoura for a few days and do the dolphin swim on the first day. Often, tour companies will give you a second attempt at spotting/swimming with wildlife if you’re unsuccessful on the first go.
In addition, those who wish to avoid entering the water can pay a cheaper fare and watch from the boat, so everyone can enjoy the day, even if they don’t want to get wet.
For a weekend itinerary including this dolphin tour, please read our Blog Post: Weekend in Kaikoura to Swim with Wild Dolphins.
Visited: October 2019