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- South Island
From AUD $169
Must do
1st of October to 30th of April
Nature, Wildlife
Akaroa
8-99
Eco-friendly
1st of October to 30th of April
Nature, Wildlife
Akaroa
8-99
Eco-friendly
Start Location:
Akaroa Main Wharf, Akaroa, 7520 Christchurch
Departure Time:
6:30am, 8:30am, 09:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm (Times may vary according to the season)
Duration:
Allow 3 hours
Free date changes:
Subject to availability
Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, booties, gloves and a hood (if necessary)Swim guide and swim skipperHot showers and lockers3 hours cruise aboard heated jet-powered catamaranEnjoy an intimate experience with only 12 swimmers per vessel GST (Tax)Join us for an unforgettable adventure, swimming with dolphins in New Zealand’s stunning Akaroa Harbour. You’ll have the unique opportunity to swim with Hector’s dolphins, the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species, native only to New Zealand. These friendly, curious creatures will make your heart soar as you encounter them in their natural habitat.
Hector’s dolphins are not only the smallest dolphins in the world but also the only ones native to New Zealand, making them a true kiwi icon. They are incredibly friendly and often approach boats and swimmers out of curiosity. Unfortunately, these remarkable dolphins are also one of the world’s rarest, with an estimated population of just 8,000 to 15,000, a stark decline from their original numbers.
Our tours are designed to provide a genuine and respectful encounter with these magnificent creatures. We prioritise the well-being of the dolphins, ensuring no touching or disturbing them, as their sensitive skin can be easily bruised or scratched. This approach ensures that our interactions are on their terms, making the experience all the more special.
Beyond the enchanting Hector’s dolphins, Akaroa Harbour boasts a rich array of marine wildlife. As you swim, keep an eye out for native penguins, fur seals, occasional whales, and a variety of striking seabirds. New Zealand is renowned for its diverse coastal birdlife, offering a truly one-of-a-kind wildlife experience.
Set off on this eco-tourism adventure and create memories that will last a lifetime. The thrill of swimming alongside wild dolphins, the beauty of Akaroa Harbour, and the diverse marine life make this a must-do activity for any nature lover. Don’t miss out on the top experience of swimming with dolphins in New Zealand.
VANZ TRAVEL team
Chris says: Ever swam with the world’s rarest dolphins? In Akaroa Harbour, I got up close with the adorable Hector’s dolphins, and it was mind-blowing! The harbour is full of incredible wildlife – an absolute must for nature lovers in New Zealand!
Pending
For your upcoming adventure, we suggest packing the following items:
Please be aware that this tour does not include meals, and pickup services are not available. If you forget to bring a towel, you can hire or purchase one prior to the tour.
Akaroa is located approximately an 80 to 90-minute drive from Christchurch City and Christchurch International Airport. Upon arrival in Akaroa, follow the main road until you see a wharf on the waterfront with a large blue building halfway down. This is where you will check in.
A basic level of fitness is required for this tour, as you will be floating in the water and need to swim to and from the boat, covering distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time. Swimming with dolphins is not available for children under 8 years old, and children between 8 and 12 must be accompanied by an adult swimmer.
Customers should have some knowledge of English to understand safety instructions and emergency procedures. If you do not speak English, you should be able to read and understand foreign language safety instructions and be confident in using pre-agreed hand signals with the crew in case of an emergency.
Allocate 3 hours for your dolphin swim experience, including 2 hours on the water and an additional hour for preparation, safety briefings, and post-swim relaxation with hot showers. Customers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the tour.
In summer, the water temperature is around 17 degrees Celsius, and in winter, it typically decreases to around 11 degrees Celsius. We provide high-quality thick wetsuits to keep you warm in the water.
Enjoy the best of swimming with dolphins in New Zealand with a safe, thrilling, and unforgettable adventure!
The tour operator reserves the right to cancel or modify a tour or to replace any vessels at any time. Weather and sea conditions can change rapidly, which may affect the status of your tour. If your tour is canceled due to adverse sea or weather conditions, you are entitled to a full refund, or we can transfer your booking to an alternative date if one is available and suitable.
Amendments can be made up to 48 hours before your pre-booked tour time, subject to availability. If you change your mind or need to cancel for any other reason, a cancellation fee will apply according to VANZ Travel’s terms and conditions available on our website.
Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the check-in time are non-refundable.
Please note that the card fee is non-refundable.
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We get information about experiences from independent providers. We try to make sure our offers are correct, but sometimes things might change a little. When you book, the provider will give you comprehensive details regarding each experience upon confirmation of your booking. If there are any changes later on, they’ll let you know. Participation in each experience is contingent upon your acceptance of the terms and conditions outlined by the experience provider at the time of booking confirmation.
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