
Akaroa Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 144 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 36 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 $295 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 36 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 144 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (36)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $295 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
What you get
- 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
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






Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 144h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $295 to $385
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 13
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
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 $295 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 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 36 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable food & drink 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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Yes. Cancel free up to 144 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
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, Lord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch, Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier 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.
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