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.

About This Spot

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