Akaroa Harbour Swim with the Dolphins
There is only one place on the planet where you can swim with hector’s dolphins and that is sheltered Akaroa Harbour. Make a date with the world’s smallest, rarest, and friendliest dolphin. Akaroa harbour, a sea-invaded crater with stunning coastal scenery, is home to a plethora of marine species, including the very rare hector’s dolphins. Enjoy a three hour cruise onboard a jet-powered boat. All crew are highly trained and will provide a great briefing on how to best interact with the dolphins while in the water. The crew will be on hand to help with your wetsuit if necessary. If you are unable to swim with the dolphins, a small partial refund will be given by the operator, not onboard your ship.
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Location
Akaroa
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Tour Code
AK1015
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Duration
3 hours
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Price
Adult from $199.99
Children (12 & under) from $169.99
Please bring your camera for photos of Akaroa Harbour
Refreshments
Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate and children 12 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water
Children ages 13-16 years inclusive must be accompanied by an adult or guardian
Dolphin season in Akaroa is between December and April
Wetsuits, masks and snorkels are included
Please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, a hat and jacket, plenty of biodegradable sunscreen and bring bottled water, your swimming costume, a towel and a change of clothing. Hot showers are available at the conclusion of tour
Bring local currency for shopping and for purchasing lunch in Akaroa after your swim
There is no guarantee of swimming with dolphins. For the protection of dolphins and other marine mammals, interaction with them is governed by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If the conditions of the Act are not met or sea conditions are not safe, some trips will be viewing only
Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and if not seen a small partial refund, in local currency, will be given by the operator, not onboard your cruise ship
Guests participating should be a confident swimmer and able to swim 50m unaided. you will be required to swim to and from the boat
The swim takes place in the open waters and not in an enclosed pool
Participants should have some knowledge of English so you can understand safety instructions and emergency procedures. If you do not speak English, you should be able to read and understand the safety instructions and be confident you can communicate with crew using the pre-agreed hand signals in the event of an emergency
Have you found a better price somewhere else for your purchased Shore Tour?
Our Best Price Guaranteewill match it by refunding the difference in the form of Onboard Spending Money for your cruise.
Akaroa History Safari
AK1145
Akaroa
3 hours
Adult: $169.99pp
Child: $169.99pp
A fascinating historical and cultural experience designed by Princess Cruises and inspired by local expert Hollie Hollander awaits on this three-hour exclusive adventure. Your local guide, Marie Haley, was born and raised on her family’s farm on Banks Peninsula. Begin at the site of Takapuneke to learn the story of the infamous Te Rauparaha massacre that led to the Treaty of Waitangi. Continue on to Onuku Marae, where this treaty was first signed. At the Britomart Monument, learn directly from a French descendant about the “Race for Akaroa,” and at Heritage Park, stop for panoramic photos and a light refreshment. Next, at the Hinewai Reserve and the Wildside Conservation Project, delve into the business of sustainable sheep farming in New Zealand, learning directly from a farmer’s daughter. On to Pa Nga Toko Ono, one of the oldest visible Maori pa (fortification) sites in New Zealand. Finally, pause at Otanerito Lookout, then return to port.
The Fox II Nature Sail
AK1025
Akaroa
3 hours
Adult: $95.99pp
Child: $89.99pp
This is your chance for an up-close and personal encounter with wildlife including dolphins, penguins and seals on New Zealand’s oldest ketch Fox II.
Little River Tour
AK1140
Akaroa
2 hours
Adult: $59.99pp
Child: $59.99pp
Spend a lovely two hours enjoying the picturesque scenery of the volcanic Banks Peninsula and the towns and villages along the way on this elegantly crafted tour designed by Princess Cruises and inspired by local expert Hollie Hollander. Your destination is the town of Little River, and the drive from Akaroa, the only French-founded community in New Zealand, traverses the countryside, which is dotted with the petite villages of Takamatua Bay, Robinsons Bay, Duvauchelle and Barrys Bay. Continue through Cooptown to Little River, once the end of a railway branch from Christchurch. Today, this artistic enclave is home to painters, writers and farmers, who sell their wares in the local shops and galleries. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore the Little River Craft Station and information center and the Little River Gallery and Café displaying artwork from some of New Zealand’s preeminent artists. Your return drive includes a panoramic photo stop before returning to port.
