Kaikoura

Swimming with Dolphins and Seals

Point Kean Sea Colony. You don't have to join an organized tour to get close to seals. At the Point Kean sea colony out on the Kaikoura Peninsula you can see seals in their natural habitat, lying in the sun or playing in the kelp-filled shallows. These are wild animals so don't approach closer than 10 meters (30 feet). With seabirds wheeling above and waves breaking along the shore it's a powerful place just minutes from the main street. Follow Fyffe Quay to the colony at the end of the road. Kaikoura.

The dolphin- and seal-spotting opportunities are fantastic. Although operators have led visitors to view and swim with dolphins and seals off the Kaikoura Coast for years, and the animals may be familiar with boats, they are not tame. New Zealand fur seals are common, and you might spot an octopus or crayfish. Pods of dusky dolphins stay in the area year-round; you may even see them doing aerial jumps and flips.

The offerings vary and operators will explain their expectations before you book. Some boat operators go farther offshore, whereas others hug the coast. If you have any questions about the suitability of a trip, pipe up; these guys are happy to help. Guides can prime you with information on the local species and will be in the water with you. Wet suits and other gear are provided.

But you don't have to join an organized tour to get close to seals. At the Point Kean sea colony out on the Kaikoura Peninsula you can see seals in their natural habitat, lying in the sun or playing in the kelp-filled shallows. These are wild animals so don't approach closer than 10 meters (30 feet). With seabirds wheeling above and waves breaking along the shore it's a powerful place just minutes from the main street. Follow Fyffe Quay to the colony at the end of the road.

Dolphin Encounter. Dolphin Encounter arranges dolphin watching and swimming. Tours operate three times a day through summer and twice a day in winter, for $165 per person. (It's just NZ$80 to watch the dolphins from the boat.) Because they operate in the open ocean, you need to be confident in the water, and it is an advantage to have some snorkeling experience. Trips can cancel due to bad weather so prepare to be a little flexible. They also offer "Albatross Encounter" tours that take you out to view the seabirds off the Kaikoura Coast. 96 The Esplanade, Kaikoura, 7300. 03/319-6777 or 0800/733-365. infodolphin.co.nz. www.encounterkaikoura.co.nz.

Seal Swim Kaikoura. Seal Swim Kaikoura is New Zealand's original seal-swimming experience and has boat- and shore-based tours running daily from October to May for NZ$70-$90 per person. The swims are easy because they're behind the shelter of the Kaikoura Peninsula, and you're virtually guaranteed to see NZ Fur Seals up close and personal. 03/319-6182; 0800/732-579 (NZ only). www.sealswimkaikoura.co.nz.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Bird-Watching
• Hiking

• Swimming with Dolphins and Seals
• Whale-Watching