Dolphin Watching
Attractions ▷ Animal Attractions ▷
Dolphin Watching
Kaikoura is the One
If I'm going dolphin watching in NZ, Kaikoura Region is where I'd start. The dolphin pods here are the largest in the country, which is a pretty big deal. You can stay dry and watch from a boat, or get in the water and swim with them. I'd go the swim if you can handle it. The water is cold though, so November through April is the window I'd pick. The RANKERS promo code gets you a discount on dolphin encounters out of Kaikoura, which is a nice bonus.
Promo code RANKERS - good deal done!
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
256 reviews
Swimming with Dolphins Akaroa
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
60 reviews
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises
Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%
58 reviews
Dolphin Eco Cruise
10% Off
91 reviews
Day in the Bay Scenic Cruise
10% Off
50 reviews
Bay Explorer
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
47 reviews
Albatross Encounter Kaikoura
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
19 reviews
National Kiwi Hatchery
Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%
65 reviews
Ulva's Guided Walks
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
12 reviews
Seal Swim Kaikoura
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
54 reviews
Pohatu Penguins
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
14 reviews
Orana Wildlife Park
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
13 reviews
Royal Albatross Centre
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
144 reviews
Wings Over Whales
Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%
34 reviews
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
21 reviews
The OPERA
Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%
61 reviews
Gannet Safaris Overland Ltd
Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%
20 reviews
Whale Watch Kaikoura
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
679 reviews
Kaikoura Helicopters World of Whales
Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off
12 reviews
Worth Knowing About the South
Down in Southland, Curio Bay has resident Hectors dolphins, which are genuinely rare. Your odds of seeing them go up a lot if you stay the night at the campsite rather than just rolling through. Up on the West Coast, the Cape Foulwind walkway is mainly known for its seal colony, but keep your eyes on the water. I've pretty much always spotted dolphins out in the bay on that walk.
A Few Other Good Spots
Akaroa in Canterbury is a solid option too, with dolphin watching cruises on the harbour and the RANKERS promo code covering swim with dolphins operators there as well. Up north, Paihia in the Bay of Islands has dolphin trips with a 10% off deal worth looking at. New Zealand really does punch above its weight for this sort of thing.
Dolphin Watching Tour Operators
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