Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

Enjoy this full day trip from Christchurch and visit the beautiful unspoiled old French whaling depot of Akaroa. Travel by road to Akaroa via Sign of the Takahe and Sign of the Kiwi, Governors Bay, Gebbies Pass, Lake Ellesmere, Lake Forsyth, Little River and the Hill Top. A stop will also be made at the cheese factory at Barry's Bay, where you can sample some fine New Zealand cheese.

On arriving at Akaroa join the 'Canterbury Cat Too' for a cruise on the Akaroa Harbour sighting dolphins, penguins and seals. Prior to your departure you will be equipped with wet suit, mask, snorkel and flippers. After locating a pod of Hectors Dolphins you will enter the water to swim with these rare and endangered mammals. Following your return to Akaroa village, time will be available for lunch (additional at own expense) and to explore the many fine craft shops and old French colonial buildings prior to your return to Christchurch.

USD $187.80

Review by: Sophie S	June 2011
Ddint find any dolphins the day I went-bad luck and that's nature of course. But having loved the Kaikoura dolphin swim I was really guted this one didn't work out and I didn't have time to try again. I'm sure if you find the dolphins it's amazing so dont pay too much notice to this review!_br/_ Word of warning: at the moment (May/June 2011) Christchurch isnt very busy so this tour may not happen at all, or not on the day you want it to. My 2 dolphin swims got moved around to fit in with numbers so you may need to be flexible.

Review by: Scott R	October 2010
It was a highlight to swim with the Hector dolphins. The dolphin swim was the best part of this trip, fairly long day but worth while.

Review by: Stephanie G	October 2010
Great value for money! Great Team and great time with the Dolphins!!!! Do not hesitate!!!

Review by: Gustavo B, United States of America	January 2010
Excellent tour! Not only was it great that the driver picked us up from our hostal but he was very informative and knowledgable about the area as we drove to Akaroa. Non-stop chat-box. He stopped to allow us to take nice pictures on the side of the road. The day was perfect for seeing dolphins. We swam in a pod of about 18 dolphins at one time. Wetsuits make floating almost effortless and the cold water tolerable. One of the best part of our whole trip.

Review by: Anonymous, Canada	December 2009
Swimming with the dolphins was amazing, the driver between Christchurch and Akaroa was very nice and professional. The duration of the trip was perfect.

Review by: Leah T, Australia	December 2009
Swimming with the dolphins in their natural habitat was amazing! I would rate this the best thing that I have done out of all my traveling over the years.

Review by: Caroline C, Canada	October 2009
Swimming with the dolphins was a great experience and both the people and the tour guide were very friendly. The only issue was that the swim did not take place in the harbour but the open ocean. It was very rough and difficult to swim when we went, even though I am a confident swimmer. It was also very cold, even with wetsuits. I would say the tour is more suited for strong swimmers, and not to bring children under 12 to 14 depending on their swimming ability. The dolphins were very curious and friendly... overall an amazing experience!

Review by: Susan A, United Kingdom	December 2008
Staff were excellent, wetsuits were warm, dolphins were beautiful and came really close - the only reason I give this three stars and not four is because I did another one in Kaikoura that was even better, but if I had not and this was my only chance to swim with the dolphins, I would be totally happy with this experience. It was professional yet friendly. Good work. One tip, which the Kaikoura people did to give them the edge - they had a defogging spray to put inside the masks to keep them clear, and it really worked. Made Kaikoura that little bit better and easier, but it was still great in Akaroa.