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.

Although in the shadow of its neighbor, Australia, New Zealand is a world apart from anything you may experience elsewhere. A former British colony, with indigenous influences permeating the culture because of its proximity to the Polynesian islands and its Maori heritage, New Zealand offers some of the most diverse tourist experiences in the world. Year after year, the green rolling meadows; easily accessible geysers; guided glacier walks; and unending stretches of incredible beaches tempt many tourists to travel across oceans to soak up New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Discovered around 800AD by Kupe, the landmass known as New Zealand was one of the last to be settled. A steady influx of migration from the time of Captain James Cook has seen this island nation grow. The indigenous Maori are a minority but have had a tremendous enriching influence on life in New Zealand.

New Zealand is divided into two main islands, North Island and South Island. The season and destination will dictate what wonders you are exposed to. Both islands offer all manner of extreme sports, including the New Zealand invention – bungee jumping.

South Island is renowned for the relics from the last Ice Age; the Fox and Franz Joseph Glaciers that rise to just below majestic Mount Cook, the tallest peak in the Southern Alps. These valley glaciers are unique in that, when the world’s glaciers are retreating, these continue to flow. Moving steadily toward sea level, these spectacular glaciers flow at a rate that is about ten times faster than other valley glaciers. Winter in the Southern Alps provides an excellent opportunity to participate in skiing, filmmaking and mountaineering. Some scenes filmed for The Chronicles of Narnia were shot here. South Island’s Otago Peninsula lets you experience cozy accommodations in the midst of seal, sea lion, penguin and sea elephant habitat.

North Island has a milder climate and a warmer summer than South Island. A trip to the legendary Lake Taupo, a 660 square meter lake formed by a volcanic explosion, will fill you with awe. Black water rafting, or cave rafting, as it is sometimes known as, is popular on the west coast. A black water rafting experience, especially a tour through the Ruakuri Cave, will give you an adrenaline rush that you will always remember. If you are not seeking that much of an adventure, make your way to Ninety Mile Beach located at the far north end of North Island. The origin of its name is not known but the beach takes in 55 breathtaking miles of coastline, including the stunning northern dunes. To the east, Great Barrier Island offers a unique and wondrous underwater world for scuba divers to explore. It also gives you the opportunity to bask in the Kaitoke hot springs, commune with nature in the Glenfern Sanctuary, or just take in the sensational sight of Mount Hobson rising majestically above this barrier island.

A four-season destination, New Zealand is filled with enough activities and city life to whet your appetite for more. Wellington, Queenstown and Auckland all appeal to the spirited, youthful and adventurous tourists. The culture and spirit of New Zealand surrounds you even in the urban areas. Is New Zealand worth visiting? The only answer is a resounding YES!