Swiming with dolphins
 

Can anybody advise me? I'll be in Christchurch mid Jan, and I want to swim with dolphins. The question is whether I can go to Akaroa, or is Kaikoura so superior that it's worth the extra travel time and expense? Any observations welcome.

I'm afraid I don't know anything about swimming with dolphins in Akaroa, but my family did swim with the dolphins at Kaikoura a few years ago and it was one of the highlights of our trip. The Dolphin Encounter organization is well run. Before we even got on the boat, all of the participants had to attend a safety and information session in which it was stressed that there would not be any physical contact with the dolphins and that if the dolphins wanted to approach us or swim with us, it would be up to them. They are very protective of the dolphins. That being said, the dolphins were quite interested in us and spent a lot of time swimming around us. It was an incredible experience.

Would it be necessary to make reservations ahead of time to swim with
the dophins in Feb or March?

Go for Kaikoura, you won't regret it. Our swim there last April was one of the highlights of our three-month trip to New Zealand. I'd recommend making reservations, and booking the first swim of the day - at 5:30 am, it's early but it's when the dolphins are at their friskiest. Fantastic experience.

Just chiming in with the general consenus....Kaikoura...definately. You won't be sorry.

Yes, you will absolutely need to make reservations. And good on ya, those who went at 5:30A!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Thanks everyone for all your help. I wonder if anyone out there has been swimming with dolphins in Akaroa?

Hi, Whistle,
Our German daughter swam with the dolphins in Akaroa in January 3 years ago, and was absolutely thrilled. She booked well in advance. She was staying in Christchurch not at Akaroa, but was able to get there in plenty of time.