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Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch provided by Leisure Tours
Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
5
Tour snapshot
Duration:
12h
Taking Covid-19 safety measures
Hotel pickup offered
Group size:
50
Wheelchair accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
- Duration:12h
- Taking Covid-19 safety measures
- Hotel pickup offered
- Group size:50
- Wheelchair accessible
- Ticket type:Mobile
About
Discover magnificent marine wildlife out on the South Pacific Ocean during this 12-hour Kaikoura dolphin swim from Christchurch. Travel through the rolling hills of North Canterbury to the rugged coastline of Kaikoura — the perfect place to view New Zealand’s dolphins, seals and birdlife in the wild. With warm wetsuit on, hop aboard your boat and learn from your guide the tricks used to encourage interaction with the graceful and curious dolphins. Dive to the depths below, snorkel over the waves and savor the joy of sharing the dolphins’ natural habitat.
Know before you go
- Duration: 12h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
- If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
- If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
Available languages
English
What to expect
- Kaikoura is the perfect place to view sperm whales, dusky dolphins, seal colonies and flocks of albatross that are attracted the nutrient-rich waters of the South Pacific year-round. Begin your Kaikoura dolphin swim tour with morning pickup from your Christchurch hotel, and settle in aboard the coach for a 2-hour drive north. After a scenic journey through North Canterbury, you’ll arrive in the coastal town of Kaikoura. Enjoy lunch at the Craypot Café and Bar (own expense) or use your free time to explore the seaside town on foot. When it’s time for your dolphin swim, climb into a warm wetsuit and listen to an informative briefing. It’s a short bus journey to the harbor, where you’ll hop aboard a boat and cruise out into the deep ocean. Listen to your captain’s commentary about methods used to attract New Zealand’s dusky dolphins as you keep an eye out for the tell-tale leaps and splashes of these playful and curious creatures. With the engine cut, strap on your mask, snorkel and flippers, and jump into the sea for an unforgettable dolphin swim. You can dive down to the depths below or bob about on the water’s surface. Marvel at the grace of these inquisitive and intelligent mammals as they swim energetically around you. When your time is up, it’s a short boat trip back to Kaikoura where you’ll return via coach to your Christchurch hotel.
Know before you go
- Duration: 12h
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
- If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee.
- If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee.
- If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee.
What to expect
- Kaikoura is the perfect place to view sperm whales, dusky dolphins, seal colonies and flocks of albatross that are attracted the nutrient-rich waters of the South Pacific year-round. Begin your Kaikoura dolphin swim tour with morning pickup from your Christchurch hotel, and settle in aboard the coach for a 2-hour drive north. After a scenic journey through North Canterbury, you’ll arrive in the coastal town of Kaikoura. Enjoy lunch at the Craypot Café and Bar (own expense) or use your free time to explore the seaside town on foot. When it’s time for your dolphin swim, climb into a warm wetsuit and listen to an informative briefing. It’s a short bus journey to the harbor, where you’ll hop aboard a boat and cruise out into the deep ocean. Listen to your captain’s commentary about methods used to attract New Zealand’s dusky dolphins as you keep an eye out for the tell-tale leaps and splashes of these playful and curious creatures. With the engine cut, strap on your mask, snorkel and flippers, and jump into the sea for an unforgettable dolphin swim. You can dive down to the depths below or bob about on the water’s surface. Marvel at the grace of these inquisitive and intelligent mammals as they swim energetically around you. When your time is up, it’s a short boat trip back to Kaikoura where you’ll return via coach to your Christchurch hotel.
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 2950CLT09
Call 0061 (87) 2285 255Important information
Inclusions
- Local guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Swim with Dolphins
- Use of snorkel equipment including wet suit
- Fur seal colony viewing
Exclusions
- Lunch
Duration
12h
Departure details
- Traveller pickup is offered.
- Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be aged 8 years and over to swim with Dolphins.
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating in the open ocean and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time.
- Once the tour has commenced only the unused portion of the tour will be refunded should the Dolphin boats not sail. If due to Dolphin sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travellers can participate
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travellers
Inclusions
- Local guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel pickup and drop off
- Swim with Dolphins
- Use of snorkel equipment including wet suit
- Fur seal colony viewing
Exclusions
- Lunch
Departure details
- Traveller pickup is offered.
- Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Duration
12h
Return details
- Returns to original departure point
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Children must be aged 8 years and over to swim with Dolphins.
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating in the open ocean and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time.
- Once the tour has commenced only the unused portion of the tour will be refunded should the Dolphin boats not sail. If due to Dolphin sightings or weather conditions the boat offers a partial refund, this refund will be passed on to our customers
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travellers can participate
- Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 50 travellers
Travel safe during COVID-19
Last updated: 25 Sep. 2020
A note from Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
Follow the safety guidelines as issued by the New Zealand Government and maintain good hygiene and social distancing measures. Do not travel if you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms. If the city in which you are departing from is in alert level two, then please wear a facemask for all transport.
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5.0
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LisaKathmandu
Kathmandu, Nepal66 contributions
Jan. 2019 • Friends
Swimming with dolphins in Kaikoura was one of my all time most memorable experiences. Totally amazing, words fail me but please don't miss. Really well organised, great staff, careful briefing and be sure to book early as this is rightly popular as the highlight on any visit to NZ. Best ever
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thanks for the glowing review on our swim with dolphins tour. I did the tour myself several years back and it was certainly an unforgettable experience. The team that take you out on the boats are fantastic - really friendly, organised and informative. I'll be sure sure to pass on your praise to them as well as your driver for the day you travelled. Thanks again for the recommendation and I hope you get the opportunity to visit NZ again sometime soon.
Written 20 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Can you pick me up from my accommodation in Christchurch and pick me off at Hanmer Spring?
Did the earthquake change the ability to see the dolphins, whales and seals?
Philip E
Liberia, Costa Rica2 contributions
Hi Linda. For short time the earthquake did have an affect on the whales as they would travel further offshore to feed. However, they are currently feeding in their usual places so viewing these animals is usually not a problem. It didn't have a big effect on the dolphins nor the seals either as they can still be viewed year-round.
Angie L
Clinton, MS120 contributions
Are you far enough off shore that you have the opportunity to see the whales?
Philip E
Liberia, Costa Rica2 contributions
Hi there. Giant Sperm Whales are usually found a little further offshore, but they can occasionally be viewed closer inshore so if you're lucky you may get the opportunity to see one. There are also some seasonal visitors, including Orca and Humpback Whales, which can occasionally be viewed as well.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Leisure Tours
Sarah W
00Tantalize those tastebuds!
Thanks Graham for a great tour! We enjoyed sampling a wide range of wines, discovering new favourites, and finding …
Excursion794423
00Incredible tour highly recommended
Great day, fantastic vessel, highly recommended. Saw three whales, + all sortsof other marine ceratrures incredibl…
tsvetelina13
00Wine tour - excellent experience
Graham is a great tour guide. Lunch was delicious. The group was great mix of people, I had a lot of fun and I enjo…
Nicolas C
00Great Experience - Muy buena experiencia
It was the first time I was doing something like that and I love it. The environment was very nice, our driver guid…
gjwhitford
00Wine tour
Wine tour what a wonderful afternoon out the lunch is worth the money just beautiful the tour operator very friendl…
Happiertogive
00Excellent experience
Thank you Kevin for our wonderful day, and for going that extra mile to describe all of the surroundings to Charli…
Mark S
00Wonderful wines of the Waipara Valley
We were picked up from hotel in Merivale and headed North with an informative tour guide who told us about the Waip…
FinanceJeff
00A Wine tour of 4 superb Waipara wineries
Canterbury Wine Tour. 4 superb wineries starting with Waipara Spings (included an individual platter to start the a…
ClosesOnTour
00Waipara Wine Trail Tour
Graham from Leisure Tours picked four of us up from our hotel for a half day wine tour, visiting four wineries wit…
Trisa O
00Relaxing day
I booked this solo because it was a Tuesday and I was traveling alone. My driver Graham showed up exactly on time …
JennyC5060
00Great afternoon’s experience
Our driver Phil was super friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable and just overall amazing. The selection of winerie…
carolbI8720UU
00Private 6 Week Tour
I traveled with a group of 13 on a private prearranged itinerary for 6 weeks. Our air flights to both islands, coor…
Becca P
00Trip of a lifetime!
We enjoyed an amazing tour of the South Island of NZ. Felt safe and well cared for. Terrific driver, Ian. Lovely ac…
I1235TVbrianr
00Awesome
Graham our driver was awesome. He was humble, friendly and approachable and most of all cared for us.
anzacjack
004/5
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Frequently Asked Questions about Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
- Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch will start at 7:30 AM. Discover and book Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch on Tripadvisor
- Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch price starts from AU$347.51. Discover and book Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch on Tripadvisor
- Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch cancellation policy: If you cancel at least 7 days in advance of the scheduled departure, there is no cancellation fee. If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) in advance of the scheduled departure, there is a 50 percent cancellation fee. If you cancel within 2 days of the scheduled departure, there is a 100 percent cancellation fee. Discover and book Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch on Tripadvisor
- Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch is hosted by Leisure Tours. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Leisure Tours on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Kaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch on Tripadvisor