Swim with dolphins

New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to swim with dolphins, for a few good reasons. Firstly, the waters are home to common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, dusky dolphins and Hector’s dolphins (found only here). Another reason is that the tour operators take extraordinary good care of dolphins so as to ensure that the animals are not harmed in any way. Moreover, in many cases, a part of the tour cost goes towards dolphin conservation. Akaroa Harbour is the only place in the world where you can swim with the playful Hector’s dolphins—one of the smallest and rarest of all dolphins. Children as young as eight are invited to be a part of this experience, provided they can swim and are in good shape. In Kaikoura, visitors can admire interesting acrobatic behaviour of dusky dolphins. With three daily trips out to the sea and a chance to not only see the dolphins from the boat but also to swim with these creatures make this activity perfect for families holidaying in New Zealand.