
Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
Traveler rating
3.8/5
Based on 37 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch worth booking?
Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch is a 9-hour experience in Christchurch, New Zealand, from $224 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 37 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- 3.8/5 (37)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $224 per person
Explore the coastal town of Akaroa and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with dolphins on this full day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the breathtaking New Zealand countryside to Akaroa and admire sights of interest such as Governor’s Bay and Lake Ellesmere on route. Cruise into the harbour with your guide and watch the waves for marine life. Strap on your snorkel and flippers and swim with elegant Hector’s dolphins in the wild. Enjoy free time to explore Akaroa, then visit a local cheese factory for a tasting session.
What you get
About this experience
Explore the coastal town of Akaroa and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime chance to swim with dolphins on this full day tour from Christchurch. Travel through the breathtaking New Zealand countryside to Akaroa and admire sights of interest such as Governor’s Bay and Lake Ellesmere on route. Cruise into the harbour with your guide and watch the waves for marine life. Strap on your snorkel and flippers and swim with elegant Hector’s dolphins in the wild. Enjoy free time to explore Akaroa, then visit a local cheese factory for a tasting session.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Cheese tasting at Barry's Bay
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Wet suit hire
- Live commentary on board
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Leisure Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be 8 years and over to swim with the Dolphins
- Customers must declare any pre-existing medical conditions. A basic level of fitness is required. Customers will be floating in the water and will be required to swim to and from the boat - distances up to 50 meters (150 feet) at a time.
- Minimum 4 adults required before tour can operate
- Must be able to swim, you will be floating in the water (ocean) and will be required to swim to and from the boat – distances up to 50 metres (150 feet) at a time. You will not be able to touch the bottom.
- Life Jackets and Floaters are not permitted.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 37 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
37 verified traveler reviews for Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
FAIL TO HONOUR COMMITMENTS
I booked this dolphin tour through Viator, an authorised seller of LEISURE TOURS, for OCT 12TH 2026 , and received a booking confirmation 1452217803. The operator later cancelled it, saying the third-party booking was not valid on their side. If a company allows third parties to sell and confirm its tours, it must honour those confirmations. I travelled to Christchurch only for this experience and now face significant non-refundable losses in flights and accommodation. I have filed a formal complaint seeking a refund and compensation. Before booking, confirm directly with the operator. A third-party confirmation may not be honoured.
Response from the operator: Unfortunately, this can occasionally happen when a third-party supplier has no control over weather conditions, environmental factors, or the availability of the tour operator. In this instance, we recommend contacting your travel insurance provider, as your policy may cover unforeseen cancellations and associated costs
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
I had an amazing experience, would definitely recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you - appreciate your kind words.
via Tripadvisor
Find another Tour Operator. Don’t waste your time.
I had a really negative experience. My swimming with dolphins tour date was changed and then the new one cancelled. It was cancelled due to weather which was not their fault, however, I feel like I was treated very poorly and their communication was lacking. They were quite cold and only acknowledged how disappointing this was to me after I called them out. The other distressing part of the situation is that they told me while I was already in the coach. Had I not been I would have cancelled entirely and not gone but I was in the vehicle. So the fact that they won’t give me a full refund is horrible and very shady. There was no realistic option for me to go back to my accommodation and make other plans for my day. I feel very manipulated by them. Take my advice and do not book with them. I called plenty of other places and they were so lovely and tried to help me. Demonstrating the true kiwi kindness that I had experienced from everyone else I’ve come in contact with while here.
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing. You may recall when we found out your dolphin swim was cancelled due to weather, our driver offered to take you back to your accommodation so you could make other plans, you advised you had no other plans and was happy to carry on. Our supplier also offered you an alternative nature cruise but you chose not to go. That was a shame because all others on the boat had amazing close dolphin encounters. You will recall you were given full refunds for the experiences you missed out on. We wish you well.
via Tripadvisor
A lot to see Little to do
Fun bus ride from Christchurch and the boat ride was nice. We saw a lot of dolphins, but only got in the water 1 time and the dolphins were gone pretty quickly. It was fun to see dolphins, a penguin, a couple seals, but prob better off just doing a cruise be getting into a wetsuit and all that goes with it. It would be nice if they supplied towels for the hot shower afterwards to make it an all inclusive type trip. I didn't realize we needed to bring them and if I did I would be dealing with a wet towel for 4 hours on a bus
Response from the operator: Thanks for taking the time to submit your review, sorry to learn you didn't enjoy the dolphin swim which most find one of the highlights of their trip to New Zealand.
via Viator
The guides were...
The guides were knowledgeable about the dolphins and took good care not to chase or harass them. We got to swim with the dolphins when the dolphins signaled they wanted to play. It was awesome!
Response from the operator: Thanks for the review and pleased you had a great and enjoyable day.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $224 to $385
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Leisure Tours, who run 33 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.6.
See everything Leisure Tours runsWhy this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Christchurch.
How much does Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch cost?
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Prices start at $224 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Christchurch usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Christchurch is not rushed.
Is Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 37 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Christchurch, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch?
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Around 13 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Christchurch can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Christchurch and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Christchurch within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Christchurch?
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On Outty we rank every Christchurch experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include TranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Christchurch?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Christchurch?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Cheese tasting at Barry's Bay; Use of snorkeling equipment; In-vehicle air conditioning; and Wet suit hire. Not included: Food and drinks, unless specified; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 24 listed pickup locations in and around Christchurch. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch?
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Across 37 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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