Dancing with Dolphins

Location:
New Zealand

Swimming with dolphins

By Peter Anderson

One thousand years ago the region around the Kaikoura Peninsula was the hunting ground for the largest bird in the world – the moa. Less than one hundred years ago it was a whaling and seal fur station. However it is now one of New Zealand’s foremost eco-tourist destinations and is known as the ‘Whale Capital’ of New Zealand. Kaikoura, from the Maori, kai – food, koura – crayfish (lobster), is a small town, population 2,500, situated, 185 kilometres north of Christchurch on the East Coast of the South Island of New Zealand.

Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains is a small strip of fertile flat land, which is home to farmers and fishermen, with a tempestuous coastline that meets the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Kaikoura offers whale-watching, swimming with dolphins and seals, bird watching, coastal and bush walks, limestone caves, mountain biking, skiing, horse trekking, parapenting, surfing, fishing, scuba diving – if any of that doesn’t interest you, how about farm tours, white water rafting, golf and traditional Maori art.

For those who enjoy nature, Kaikoura offers the ultimate experience – swimming with dolphins and fur seals in their natural habitat and being able to get close to a Giant Sperm Whale and see the smallest of all dolphins, the rare New Zealand Hector Dolphin. There are also a large variety of seabirds that either make Kaikoura their home or nesting grounds and these include the albatross, shearwaters, petrels, penguins, gannets, shags and numerous gulls and terns.

The experience of a lifetime – swim with dolphins in their natural habitat. This is not a ‘set-up’ as in some aquariums where you see swimmers holding onto the dolphin’s fins for a ‘ride’. Here it is the dolphins’ choice whether they have the inclination to swim with you or not.

As the boat heads out to sea you will be informed of how to enter the water and attract the dolphins.. You will be told to slip into the water and start singing – have you ever been immersed in freezing cold water with a snorkel in your mouth and told to sing? – it’s not easy. Although the sound is not the most melodious it will attract some of the dolphins. On board, where you will see the delightful dolphins on the surface, you will be told to dive below the surface, as there are approximately three dolphins under the water for every dolphin above. You are mere guests to their domain and to be accepted by them was something that you will never forget. For a dolphin to come to you, look you in the eye and I’m sure, smile at you has to be one of the most phenomenal encounters that we can experience.

After swimming you will be given a hot cup of chocolate and biscuits to warm you up while spending time watching from the boat. At any one time there can be up to 400 dolphins around the vessel. The sea will practically boil with dolphins – a sight that will remain etched in your mind for many years. The antics of these engaging mammals will warm your heart as much as the hot shower and drink warms your body. The Dusky Dolphin is regarded as one of the most acrobatic of the dolphin species. Duskies spin, side-slap, belly and backslap, somersault forward and backward and do anything in between. It is not known for certain what these frolicking acrobatics indicate but it is believed that they are playful and possible denote social and sexual activity level. Other leaps serve other functions; a headfirst re-entry is for chasing fish, a side-slap is usually for communicating to others.

These enchanting mammals will keep you captivated for hours. Whether it is a mother with her calf close to the boat or an acrobatic adult somersaulting in the distance or a small pod cavorting near the surface. “Duskies show that they are alert and happy by the most complicated acrobatic leaps of any dolphin species”. As one European exclaimed as he clambered on board after a swim – ‘it's a better high than bungy jumping!’

Dolphin Encounter has two vessels that make three trips a day during the summer (October to May) and two trips a day during the winter weather permitting. Each trip lasts for three hours. As they only take small groups on each trip bookings are advisable and during the peak season (November to April) should be made well in advance. Do not worry if you have not had snorkelling experience or if you are not a strong swimmer as the wetsuits keep the swimmers sufficiently buoyant. Even non-swimmers have entered the water to experience this marvellous adventure.

Further Information

Travel tips: Book in advance

Must see/do at this place: Whale Watching and try the crayfish (lobster), mussels and paua