Fauneya

Widely rated as the best place on Earth to swim with wild dolphins, thanks to resident super-pods of dusky dolphins (several hundred to over 1,000 individuals) feeding along the deep Kaikōura Canyon. Acrobatic, curious and interactive. Summer (Nov-Mar) offers the largest pods and 90 % swim success rate.

Dolphin in Kaikōura (South Island, New Zealand)

day tripEasySwimmingSnorkelingWatching

About This Spot

Widely rated as the best place on Earth to swim with wild dolphins, thanks to resident super-pods of dusky dolphins (several hundred to over 1,000 individuals) feeding along the deep Kaikōura Canyon. Acrobatic, curious and interactive. Summer (Nov-Mar) offers the largest pods and 90 % swim success rate.

Best Months to Visit

See Dolphin in Kaikōura (South Island, New Zealand). Best months: March, April, January (up to 95% sighting chance). Swimming, Snorkeling, Watching. Plan your wildlife trip with Fauneya.

  • March: 95%
  • April: 95%
  • January: 90%
  • February: 90%
  • May: 90%
  • November: 90%
  • December: 90%
  • October: 85%
  • September: 80%
  • June: 75%
  • July: 75%
  • August: 75%

Practical Information

  • Location: Kaikōura (South Island, New Zealand)
  • Coordinates: -42.4000, 173.6800
  • Effort: day trip
  • Accessibility: Easy
  • Observation mode: Swimming, Snorkeling, Watching

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