Last Updated: July 30, 2022
We had always wanted to swim with dolphins as a family for many years, but had always struggled to find places that we felt comfortable with ethically. Then we went to New Zealand!
The Kiwis are extremely protective of their wildlife and they really take all measures to ensure that the impact is minimal on them. They are bound by laws that only allow them to disturb the dolphins for no more than a couple of hours a day. And there is no baiting or feeding allowed to entice them.
And seeing them in their natural habitat is something we would highly recommend for families with older kids. The excitement of sailing out to see with anticipation. Then spotting them all around you. Before jumping in and watching them curiously swim over within just a few metres, is one of the most amazing experiences we’ve ever done travelling!
There are many different species of Dolphins that inhabit the sea’s around New Zealand. The most common that you will potentially see are (deep breath); Māui, Hector’s, Bottlenose, Dusky, Common, Killer Whale (Orca) and Pilot Whale. The last two with slightly misleading names as they are dolphins not whales!
That’s a lot! So it’s no wonder people say New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to see and swim with these magnificent mammals.
Best Time to see Wild Dolphins in New Zealand
Dolphins can bee seen pretty much all year round in New Zealand. Whilst the larger ones, such as Orca, are less likely in the summer, the smaller ones are pretty abundant most of the time.
Having said that, if you are planning on swimming dolphins, we would advise going in the warmer months. Either summer, late spring or early autumn.
The water can get chilly. Whilst a wet suit will give you some warmth, the winter waters may be quite sharp. Especially for kids who might not be best pleased when you launch them into the ice cold sea!
In terms of time of day, early morning is usually the best time to see them. But late afternoon can also be fruitful as well.
If you’re going out with a tour, they will take you out at the best time to give you the greatest chance of seeing the dolphins.
Best Areas to see Wild Dolphins in New Zealand
As New Zealand is a small island there are lots of coastal areas where you may be able to spot and swim with wild dolphins. And theoretically there’s a chance pretty much everywhere on the coast. But there are also some areas where they are more likely than others.
The Bay of Islands up in the Northlands is a great place to see Bottlenose and Common Dolphins. Being quite high north though it’s not always on everyone’s New Zealand itinerary. But if you are visiting this area of the North Island then this may be the place for you.
Akaroa is another common spot. With the rarer Hector’s Dolphin being one of the main breeds that resides here. Also due to it’s close proximity to Christchurch, being only around 90 minutes away, this can be a good one if you’re only venturing into the city for a short time.
Kaikoura, on the South Island is one of the best places to see Dusky Dolphins. This breed is particularly friendly. So it gives you a really good chance of seeing them reasonably close as they are very inquisitive.
Kaikoura is the one we chose and would highly recommend with kids. And for the purpose of this post, this is where we’ll concentrate on.
Kaikoura is a lovely little coastal town, which you can meander down and enjoy the scenery. There’s not a huge amount of things to do as it is a small town. But it has a small museum, a couple of playgrounds and a cute little library that we spent a good few hours at. So there is enough to fill a day or two with kids when you’re not in the waters.
Places to stay in Kaikoura
If you do decide to choose Kaikoura as the place to see dolphins it is an easy base to stay. With lots of types of accommodation on offer.
If you’re campervanning it and looking for a free overnight stay, there is a great little Irish Pub called the Donegal House. Although it’s one of the less natural freedom camps we had on our journey, it was still one of our favourites.
With large bays in the carpark for each vehicle and only a 5 minute drive to the town centre it is a good spot to stay at for a night or two for logistical ease (especially if you are heading out early doors for the dolphins).
It has toilet and shower facilities (coin operated) for the campers, separate to the pub. And the pub itself is also lovely with a delicious Sunday lunch on offer if you fancy.
For people in a tent or if you want a few more facilities, there is a ‘Top 10 Holiday Park‘ in Kaikoura with campervan and tent pitch’s available. These holiday parks are a large chain that cover most of New Zealand. They usually offer a wide range of facilities and this one is no different.
If you’re looking for static accommodation you can easily find somewhere to stay in or around the centre of Kaikoura. With many B&Bs dotted about.
Seeing and Swimming with Wild Dolphins in Kaikoura
If you decide to choose Kaikoura as your place to see Dolphins the main way to do this is to book a tour with Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura.
Booking is pretty easy, you can do it online or head down to their office in Kaikoura centre and chat with one of the advisors to book it in person.
Booking are limited so if you’re tight on time it may be better to book online in advance, especially in peak season. If you’re a little more flexible and not in peak season it may be better to book a day or two before so you can judge the weather a little better.
Once booked the staff will let you know the time to arrive for your slot. When you arrive you’ll be called through to the fitting rooms in groups and then very experienced and friendly staff will help you get your wet-suit, flippers and goggles.
For people who wear glasses they even have some prescription goggles you can use. The prescription size are limited so don’t cover all, but may really help if you are particularly short sighted.
Once all your gear is sorted, it’s time for the adventure to begin. They will drive you up to the boat and then you set sail! How long you sail for will depend on where Dolphins have been spotted. The once you’ve found them brace yourself and jump in!
It’s possible for children over 8 to do the dolphin swim (providing they can swim) and children over 3 watch on the boat. Our 10 year old did the swim and our 3 year old came out on the boat to see them. Me and Nadia took turns in sitting with our toddler whilst the other swam with our eldest.
It can get choppy so the captain may not allow kids in if it gets to rough. So check the weather before you book if possible. There are also floating aids available, and the wet suits are very buoyant. So this takes away most of the worry of your children getting into trouble, although obviously still keep them close by.
Once you’re in you basically just wait and hope they come over. Which they usually do, due to these Dusky dolphins being such inquisitive mammals. A great way to get them to be more curious is to stay together, swim lot’s in circles and try to impersonate a dolphin by making high pitched noises! Our video shows just how bad we were at it! But it seemed to work!
It really is a incredible experience. The dolphins came so close to us and we almost felt like part of their pod swimming with them as they circled us and came up for a closer look. Our eldest was overwhelmed with the swim and our youngest enjoyed watching the dolphins play and jump from the boat as well.
You might sail to a few different spots during you’re trip. Then once it’s all over they will take you back to shore before you get back into your landlubber clothes. Before you head home and reflect on what really is a truly magnificent experience.