Hi All,
After having read many NZ travelogs and posts on this forum, I feel that swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura is not to be missed (and looks like people always liked it better in Kaikoura than in Akaroa)

Our current itinerary is : 3 days in North Island (Waitamo caves, Taupo, Rotorua for zorbing). Then fly from Rotorua to Christchurch and spend remaining 9 days in South Island.

I wanted to accomodate the swimming with dolphins without cutting too much of our time on the rest of South Island. So here is what I am thinking:
Day 3: Fly out of Rotorua in the afternoon (gives us 2 and half day in North Island) Drive from Christchurch airport to kaikoura on the same day and sleep in Kaikoura.
Day 4: Swim with dolphins at 5:30 am - as recommended by Tim_and_Liz in another post. and then drive back to Christchurch
Day 5: Continue with our current itinerary - Drive to West coast through Arthur pass. Glaciers, Queenstown, TA, Milford Sound etc.

NZ experts do you think this is feasible? and that swimming with dolphins is worth cutting half day from Rotorua and half day from Christchurch?

Thanks in Advance!
Vandy

Vandy,

Bit difficult to determine if cutting out time in Christchurch and Rotorua is "worth it" for you because we don't really know what your interests are.

Everyone's different, and some people feel that one day in Rotorua is enough; others want more. Same thing with Christchurch (or any other destination).

What I CAN tell you is that swimming with the dolphins is an amazing experience and be sure to make reservations in advance!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura is definitely worth it. THe experience remains one of the highlights of our three months in New Zealand. Absolutely awesome - and the early swim is the way to go.

Thanks Melodie and renforth1 for the replies. I am really interested in the dolphin swim.. convincing my husband about it is the issue right now

Your replies reinforce my thoughts! Thanks!

Have you looked at swimming with Dolpins in Dusky Sound, Milford?
I have had good feedback about this activity.
Cheers, Dougie
www.newzealandatoz.com

Hi Dougie,
I did not know we had an option of swimming with dolphins in Milford Sound. I had come across some kayaking companies but after reading travelogs, realized most people do the day cruise .. and thats what I was planning on doing there.

Can you give me more information / point me to a website for Swimming with dolphins in Milford?

Thanks,
Vandy