Swim with the Dolphins of North Island

Few activities can compare to being able to swim and interact with affectionate, playful dolphins. There are a few places on New Zealand’s North Island that offer this unique experience. Paihia, Tauranga, and Whakatane are three such places. Each town is a magnet for those seeking the excitement of swimming with wild dolphins and a number of other outdoor activities.

There are a few Department of Conservation licenced tour operators that offer a half-day excursion of dolphin viewing and swimming. These operators have boats built specifically for the purpose of dolphin watching and swimming. You are offered an informative commentary during the tour and you will undoubtedly see other marine life. If you have chosen to swim with the dolphins, you will be carefully advised as to the proper way to interact with these intelligent mammals. Department of Conservation rules apply and there will be times when swimming cannot safely be permitted.

Paihia:

Located at the north end of New Zealand, the pretty town of Paihia sits on the coastline of the breathtaking Bay of Islands. Zane Gray popularized this deep-sea fishing in this area in the 1930s and tourists began arriving for the fishing. Now Paihia is one of the most popular destinations for tourists that want to experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing, surfing, sailing, and swimming with dolphins.

Bay of Islands with its 144 islands and extremely rich marine life offers many activities and the opportunity to see whales, seals, marine birds, and dolphins. There are activities for the whole family to enjoy but the dolphin swims top the list.

Tauranga:

Further south down the coast from Piahia are the coastal settlements of Tauranga city and the town of Whakatane. Just over an hour apart along the coast of Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is the more northerly location and is the destination of choice for many surfers and dolphin swimmers. Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, this picturesque city is close to Lake Taupo and Rotorau. The proximity to these major tourism areas adds to the appeal of the city.

The Bay of Plenty is inhabited by thousands of dolphins so it is unlikely that a dolphin expedition will fail to make contact. Provided the conditions are right, swimming with the dolphins is something that you will be able to experience.

Whakatane:

Considered to be New Zealand’s Sunshine Capital, Whakatane is just 48 km south of New Zealand’s most active volcano, White Island. Aside from the wildly popular swimming with the dolphins tours; activities such as bushwalking, whale watching, chartered fishing cruises, hunting, and scuba diving tours are steadily drawing increasing numbers of tourists.

As with any adventure of this type, the weather conditions are a key factor as to whether the boat can safely go out on the water and there is no guarantee that a sighting will occur. When swimming with any wild creature, there is there is an inherent risk of injury. Wild creatures are unpredictable although careful instruction is given to swimmers in order to keep them as safe as possible. If you are an adventurous soul, prepare to get the ultimate thrill and have a very personal experience with wild dolphins.

Always make sure that the tour offering swimming with the dolphins is licenced and ask if equipment such as snorkels and wetsuits are included. Check to see what age restrictions may be in place so that you are not disappointed upon arrival because a member of your party is too young. Ask whether swim bars are available for the less proficient swimmers.

Once you have done your research and booked your tour, prepare to experience one of the most memorable times to occur in your life.