Can you swim with dolphins in New Zealand?
One of the rarest dolphins in the world, the Hector’s dolphin, is found only in New Zealand – and the French settlement of Akaroa is the only place you can swim with them!
Where can you swim with dolphins in New Zealand?
Kaikoura
Dolphin Encounter Kaikoura is New Zealand’s first company to offer swimming with dolphins.
How much is it to swim with dolphins in New Zealand?
Tour info in brief
| 4 hours | |
|---|---|
| Daily Departures: | 9.00 AM |
| Pricing: | Adult: $180 (16+ years) Child: $155 (12 – 15 years) Infant: N/A |
| Location: | 1 Wellington Street, Picton |
| Briefing: | 8.30 AM |
When can you see dolphins in New Zealand?
The Dolphin & Whale viewing guide below is for the Bay of Islands in the North Island of New Zealand. As you can see every month is good to seeing something, but the winter months (May-July) probably give the greatest range, including the occasional Orca Whale!
Can you swim with dolphins in Bay of Islands?
The Bay of Islands is lucky enough to play host to pods of wild dolphins all year round! And the best way to get up close and personal with them is on the Fullers Bay of Islands Dolphin Adventure. You’ll see playful dolphins, and can even swim with them! All snorkelling gear and wetsuits are provided.
Can you swim with whales in New Zealand?
Swim with dolphins in Kaikōura, Christchurch – Canterbury Dolphin Encounter Kaikōura(opens in new window) provides visitors with the opportunity to experience one of natures’ most unique experiences, swimming with or just watching the amazingly acrobatic dusky dolphins.
How many dolphins are in New Zealand?
There are an estimated 150–200 individuals in New-Zealand, which travel long distances throughout the country’s coastal waters.
Can you swim with dolphins?
Both humans and dolphins are mammals. Although sea water acts as an effective disinfectant, interaction with wild dolphins may result in disease transfer. These may present serious health threats to dolphins and humans alike. Finally, swimming with dolphins represents harassment – you do not want to get a fine.
Is swimming with humpback whales safe?
Is it safe to swim with humpback whales? Although huge by size, humpback whales are one of the most gentle animals in the world. It is safe to swim with whales, but do listen to the instructions of your guide. Be respectful to the whales by keeping your distance and not touching them.
Is it safe to swim next to whales?
Is swimming with whales dangerous? If you are respectful to the whales and follow directions it is quite safe. Humpback whales are some of the most gentle and considerate animals in the world, despite their size. Whale swimming is done on their terms and under the guidance of our licensed guide and captain.
Do dolphins live near New Zealand?
Nine different species of dolphin are found around the New Zealand coast, including Hector’s, Māui and bottlenose dolphins. Nine different species of dolphin are found around the New Zealand coast, including Hector’s, Māui and bottlenose dolphins.
Why do Hector dolphins matter?
Hector’s dolphins have been reduced to less than 25% of their numbers in the 1970s and there are fewer than 60 Māui dolphins). If we don’t fight for them, these beautiful souls will soon be gone forever. Hector’s dolphins hold the record for being the rarest and smallest marine dolphin in the world.
How many Māui dolphins are left in NZ?
Population size and conservation status A recent population estimate showed that there are only about 54 individuals over the age of 1 year remaining. There is 95% certainty that this number is between 48 and 64. Māui dolphin has a Nationally critical conservation status.
How many Hector’s dolphins are left 2021?
How many Hector’s dolphins are there? Hector’s dolphins are classed as “nationally endangered” with their population thought to be around 10,000. Banks Peninsula hosts roughly 1000 of the Hector’s dolphin population. There are as few as 55 Maui dolphins left.
What eats Hector dolphins?
Sharks
Sharks are thought to be the main predators of Hector’s and Māui dolphins. Shark species known to consume these dolphins are great white, blue, and broad-nosed seven-gilled sharks. Orca, mako sharks and bronze whaler sharks may also predate Hector’s and Māui dolphin, but there are no known instances of this occurring.