Dolphin Watching

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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

4.6 256 reviews

Swimming with Dolphins Akaroa

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.4 60 reviews

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruises

Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%

4.4 58 reviews

Dolphin Eco Cruise

10% Off

4.1 91 reviews

Day in the Bay Scenic Cruise

10% Off

3.9 50 reviews

Bay Explorer

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.9 47 reviews

Albatross Encounter Kaikoura

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.8 19 reviews

National Kiwi Hatchery

Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%

4.7 65 reviews

Ulva's Guided Walks

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.7 12 reviews

Pohatu Penguins

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.7 14 reviews

Seal Swim Kaikoura

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.6 54 reviews

Orana Wildlife Park

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.6 13 reviews

Royal Albatross Centre

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.5 144 reviews

Wings Over Whales

Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%

4.5 34 reviews

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.5 21 reviews

The OPERA

Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%

4.4 61 reviews

Gannet Safaris Overland Ltd

Promo code RANKERS. Save 10%

4.4 20 reviews

Whale Watch Kaikoura

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.3 679 reviews

Kaikoura Helicopters World of Whales

Promo code RANKERS. 10% Off

4.3 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.