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Christchurch Explore New Zealand, Australia & Fiji!tune
Get up close and personal to Kaikoura's incredible resident dusky dolphins in their stunning natural environment!
Highlights
- Discover wild dusky dolphins in their natural element!
- Learn about and enhance your understanding of dolphins
- Highest success rate in NZ for locating and viewing dolphins
- Amazing photo opportunities from the spacious vessel
- A magical experience of a lifetime!
Encounter Kaikoura is a friendly and enthusiastic business dedicated to providing our customers with a magical experience of a lifetime!
We operate picturesque tours along the spectacular Kaikoura coastline and give you the option to swim (please see other booking option)* and interact with wild dusky dolphins or watch their playful acrobatics in the open ocean from the comfort of our boat.
Dolphin Encounter®, pioneered dolphin encounter tours in Kaikoura New Zealand in 1989/90 and have developed their tours for those wishing to enhance their understanding of dolphins in their natural environment, providing a truly unique experience!
Tours scheduled daily: We close just one day each year - Christmas Day!
Please note this booking option is for watching only, and although you will be on the same boat as swimmers you will not have the option to swim. If you would like to swim with the dolphins, please check out our swim deals: Kaikoura - Dolphin Swim Tour
All prices are shown in NZD ($)
Authenticated Reviews & Photos All of our reviews are from people who have booked and paid for this activity thru Bookme
Showing all 216 authenticated Bookme reviews
From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)
What a lovely photo! We love inspiring future conservationists! Delighted you and your grandkids had a great time :-)
Phyllis Belworthy from New Zealand wrote on 26 October 2021
Above and beyond
The best experience ever. The staff were absolutely brilliant nothing was too much trouble. They went out of there way to ensure I had the best experience ever. I can not thank them enough. Beautiful fine sunny day, warm with lots of playful dolphins. Definitely recommend them
From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)
Lovely to read your review! Thank you! So glad you had such a great trip! :-)
katemalster from New Zealand wrote on 07 October 2023
Lucked out this trip
This is second tie for me doing this trip. Unfortunately we lucked out seeing anything except a few Hector dolphins. Nice trip on the water neverless and the ladies at the Dolphin Encounter are lovely..another fun trip.
From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)
Thanks Kate - glad you enjoyed your time aboard and seeing the rare wee Hector's dolphins is always so special! :-)
Kerri from New Zealand wrote on 01 February 2023
Kerri pipson
This was an absolutely amazing trip got to see 3 species of dolphin all together I am still buzzing the crew were so lovely would def recommend doing to anyone we will be going again when next up
From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)
Trifactor! Awesome! Thanks so much for your recommendation we appreciate it! :-)
Evelyn Pui from New Zealand wrote on 19 January 2023
Amazing!
Amazing experience watching the hundreds of dolphins swimming around the boat. Knowledgeable and friendly crew
From Kaikoura - Dolphin Encounter (Watch Option)
Thanks Evelyn stoked you enjoyed your tour! :-)
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Qualmark Certification
This award recognises the best sustainable tourism businesses in New Zealand. It denotes exceptional customer experiences at the heart of everything the company does. This business is leading the way in making the New Zealand tourism industry a world class sustainable visitor destination.
When you see the Qualmark logo, your activity of choice is endorsed by New Zealand Tourism's official quality assurance organisation and backed by leaders in the industry. It's your trusted guide to iconic activities and experiences that are awarded for their exceptionally high level of quality, safety and sustainability.
This award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism business that consistently exceeds visitor expectations. Their proactive leadership and management ensure the business's focus on continuously improving their economic, social and environmental performance to create genuine, constantly evolving and sustainable tourism experiences.
This award identifies a business with a high level of professionalism, a keen awareness of the impact it has on the environment and a commitment to a customer centric approach.
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sandie from New Zealand wrote on 11 June 2022
Incredible
Wow! What an amazing experience. This is something everyone needs to experience. Truly magical. Kate was amazing as were all looking after us on board. My grandchildren loved their adventure ❤️