Swimming With Dolphins

New Zealand has several fantastic coastal areas where you can enjoy a breathtaking close encounter with friendly NZ dolphins. There is no better way to get to know these fascinating creatures than actually swimming in the midst of a pod and observing their antics. New Zealand has beautiful warm water for swimming and interacting with dolphins. New Zealand gives you the added bonus that can often wonderful sights, with orcas (killer whales), whales, seals, penguins and albatrosses in the same location.

New Zealand has a number of daily tour boats that operate from ports along our east coasts. The boats have large viewing decks and staff with training in marine mammal behaviour. They provide informative commentaries and allow you to listen to dolphin calling sounds through hydrophones. You don't need much swimming experience to get up close and personal with these wild creatures as the wetsuits supplied give ample buoyancy in the water.

The Bay of Islands, near the top of the North Island has resident dolphins and water-jet powered catamarans visit them daily. Auckland's Hauraki Gulf is an exceptionally diverse marine park with common and bottlenose dolphins and a 90% chance of successful viewing. Kaikoura, on the South Island has the renowned Whale Watch operation as well as regular encounters with dusky dolphins. This is known as the most acrobatic of the species. Lyttleton and Akaroa on the South Islands Banks peninsula, offer you the chance to swim with the rare Hector's dolphin. From Manapouri and Te Anau in Southland you can arrange natural history cruises on Milford and Doubtful Sounds, which include swimming with dolphins and seals.

A fantastic way to enjoy New Zealand sea life on your NZ adventure.