Private Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter
One of the best places in the world to encounter dolphins in their natural environment.
Private Tour Details
This is a Private Tour. Your party will have exclusive use of a luxury SUV, along with a dedicated Canterbury Trails Guide for the day.
Kaikoura: Where Mountains Meet the Sea and Dolphins Play
Nestled on New Zealand's breathtaking east coast, Kaikoura is a coastal haven where majestic snow-capped mountains meet the vast ocean. Located just a 2.5-hour drive north of Christchurch, this picturesque town is renowned for its rich Māori heritage, its fascinating whaling history, and its unique underwater landscape – the 3-kilometer-deep Kaikoura Canyon. Discover this marine wonderland in an intimate private tour, ensuring a personalised and unforgettable experience.
Journey Through Breathtaking Scenery:
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive north from Christchurch, passing through fertile farmlands and rolling hills before reaching the dramatic Hundalees. The highway then winds along the coastline, offering glimpses of fur seals basking in the sun and, if you're lucky, playful dolphins frolicking in the waves.
Discover the Enchanting Town of Kaikoura:
Upon arrival in Kaikoura, you'll enjoy a delicious early lunch to fuel your upcoming marine encounter. Immerse yourself in the town's captivating history, learning about its significance in Maori lore as the place where Maui is said to have fished up the North Island. Discover the remnants of New Zealand's first whaling station, a reminder of the town's maritime past.
Swim with Dolphins in the Wild:
The highlight of your day awaits: an unforgettable experience swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat. Your expert guide will introduce you to the Dolphin Encounter team, who will provide a comprehensive briefing and equip you with all the necessary gear. As you slip into the crystal-clear waters, prepare to be amazed as these intelligent and playful creatures glide and twirl around you, creating a magical symphony of movement and joy.
Soak in the Majestic Scenery:
After your exhilarating swim, take some time to explore Kaikoura's stunning surroundings. Stroll along the rugged coastline, where crashing waves meet rocky shores, or simply relax and savor the tranquility of this coastal paradise.
Return to Christchurch:
As the day draws to a close, your guide will transport you back to Christchurch, leaving you with cherished memories of your Kaikoura adventure. You'll be dropped off at your accommodation, where you can reflect on the beauty of nature and the wonder of encountering these magnificent marine mammals.
Your Kaikoura dolphin swim experience is more than just a tour – it's an unforgettable encounter with the natural world and a celebration of the harmonious relationship between humans and wildlife.
Tour Inclusions:
- Travel by luxury vehicle
- Swimming with Dolphins (guests require swimwear and towel).
- Cafe lunch in Kaikoura
- Courtesy city hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Delicious morning or afternoon tea picnic (weather permitting)
- Fully escorted with informative commentary.
Departure time: 7:30 am
Return: approx. 5.45 pm
Tour Code: PRI KA03.
Good to know
Suits Confident swimmers with a good level of fitness: the swim is in the open sea. Kaikoura is about two and a half hours north of Christchurch by road, along the coast, so this is a full day out.
Included Your own vehicle and driver-guide for the day, pickup and drop-off at your Christchurch accommodation, the dolphin swim, an early lunch at a café in Kaikoura and a picnic morning or afternoon tea. Card payments carry a 3% fee, and a public holiday surcharge of NZ$70 per person applies on New Zealand public holidays (NZ$75 from Good Friday, 26 March 2027).
Pickup and times We collect you from your Christchurch accommodation at about 7:30 am, at a time we confirm with you before the day, and you are back at about 5:45 pm. As a private tour, it runs on the date you choose.
Group Private. Your party travels alone, in a luxury vehicle with your own driver-guide. On the swim you share the boat with other guests.
Children Welcome. Children aged 2 to 12 travel at half the adult price, and under-twos travel free. We supply every car seat free: a rear-facing capsule for babies, a harness seat for toddlers and a booster for older children. The swim operator sets its own minimum age and swimming requirements, so tell us your children's ages when you enquire and we will check.
Travelling alone The tour is private, so it runs for a single traveller too.
Cancellation Cancel more than 7 days before the tour and there is no fee. From 7 days to 48 hours before, the fee is 50%, and within 48 hours the tour is non-refundable. The full terms are in our Terms of Service.
Bring Your swimsuit and a towel, layers for changeable weather with a warm top and a rain jacket, comfortable shoes with good grip, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Interested in booking?
Contact our Customer Service Team
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Phillipstown, Christchurch, NZ
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Every day, 9am to 6pm New Zealand time
