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Private Premium Kaikoura Dolphin Encounter from Christchurch

South Island

Canterbury Trails

from
NZ$905
per person
Book Now
A large pod of Dusky dolphins swimming underwater in the clear waters near Kaikōura.

Experiences

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South Island

Start: Christchurch
Duration: 1 day
Travel Time: 10 hours
Minimum Age: 8

Swim with Dolphins and Discover Kaikoura’s Coastal Beauty

Start your journey with a scenic drive from Christchurch along the Pacific coast, where farmland gives way to cliffs and ocean views. Your guide points out wildlife along the way, including fur seals and, if you’re lucky, dolphins cruising close to shore. This relaxed route sets the tone for a nature-filled day.

On arrival in Kaikoura, enjoy a light café lunch before heading out to meet the Dolphin Encounter team. Slip into the cool, clear waters and swim alongside playful pods of wild dolphins under expert guidance. After your marine adventure, take time to explore Kaikoura’s rugged coastline or simply unwind before the journey home.

Tour code: PRI KA03

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Dusky dolphins leaping through the water near Kaikōura with mountain ranges in the background.
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Snorkeller swimming alongside Dusky dolphins in the open ocean near Kaikōura, New Zealand.
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Snorkeller looking at Dusky dolphins underwater on a guided swim experience in Kaikōura.
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A large pod of Dusky dolphins swimming underwater in the clear waters near Kaikōura.
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Tourists photograph a jumping dolphin during a Kaikōura dolphin-watching boat trip.
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Tourists photographing a pod of dusky dolphins during a boat tour off Kaikōura
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Pod of dusky dolphins leaping through the ocean near Kaikōura
  • 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.
  • Departs: Christchurch at 7:30 am
  • Arrives: Christchurch at about 5:45 pm
  • Minimum age to swim: 8 years
  • 8 days or more before departure: Full refund**
  • Between 7 days and 48 hours: 50% refund**
  • Within 48 hours: No refund
  • Shore Excursions: In the event of a tour cancellation due to unsuitable sea or weather conditions, a partial refund may be issued.

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Departure Dates

Minimum of 2 people per departure.

Pricing

Apr 2026-Mar 2027 (Cost per person)

  • 2 pax: NZ$1,610*
  • 3 pax: NZ$1,055*
  • 4 pax: NZ$1,000*
  • 5 pax: NZ$955*
  • 6-10 pax: NZ$905*

Upgrade option

  • Hapuka Lodge lunch: NZ$125 per person

*Please note: A fuel surcharge of NZ$35 per person applies to this tour from 1st of June 2026 onwards, until further notice.

Prices are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change without prior notice.

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