WHALE & DOLPHIN TOURS
8 days - Small Group Tour
Ever wanted to meet whales and dolphins in their own environment? Here is your chance! Come and travel with us on an educational 8 day tour of marine mammal watching hot spots in New Zealand. We have a chance of encountering ten species of cetaceans; humpback, Bryde’s, Southern right, Minke, pilot and sperm whales, and bottlenose, common and Hector’s dolphin as well as the world’s larges dolphin (the orca) and two species of pinnipeds (the New Zealand fur seal and sealion).
This tour operates on demand. If you are interested in joining the Whale Trail, please contact us.
- All meals and non alcoholic drinks (alcoholic drinks additional)
- Two nights dorms style accommodation (as in original racing conditions)
- Participation and instruction in navigation and operation of the yacht
- Activities include snorkelling, fishing, swimming and much more
- Marine wildlife viewing, Accommodation aboard
Please contact us or complete our online enquiry form to receive further information on this tour or to check availability on your preferred date of travel.
We also offer a post extension tour to the South Pacific island chain of the Kingdom of Tonga. There you can have the humpback whale watching encounter of a lifetime, where you can enter the warm tropical waters and swim with these animals and hear their songs vibrate through your body.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
AUCKLAND AND THE HAURAKI GULF
Considered to be one of the most biologically and geographically diverse maritime parks in the world. Swim with dolphins and view a huge diversity of other marine and bird life aboard the purpose built research and wildlife viewing vessel, the Dolphin Explorer.
MARINE MAMMAL MEDIC COURSE
Learn about whale strandings and how you can assist in the event of a stranding. The course is held in the beautiful Bay of Islands and includes the use of specialised rescue equipment.
MARINE MAMMAL DISCOVERY TOUR AND DOLPHIN SWIM, BAY OF ISLANDS
Bottlenose and common dolphin are usually encountered here but you may also see a variety of other species including orca (killer whales), Brydes, pilot, Minke, sei, humpback, and very rarely the Blue Whale.
WELLINGTON - TE PAPA, THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND
Home to one of the largest collections of marine mammal skeletons in the world. We will have a behind the scene’s look with the resident scientist and specialist.
MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS
We search with local marine biologists for five different species - bottlenose, dusky and Hector’s dolphins, orca and New Zealand fur seals - before taking a guided walk on Motuara Island - one of New Zealand’s very special wildlife reserves.
WHALE WATCHING KAIKOURA
A world renowned opportunity for whale watching. From a helicopter you will view giant sperm whales and perhaps dolphins from above.
SEAL OR DOLPHIN SWIM KAIKOURA
You will have the opportunity to swim with the seals or dolphins in this fantastic region. As well as the chance to view many of the birdlife varieties that find Kaikoura a haven, like the giant albatross and smaller albatross, cormorants, shearwaters, petrels and shags.
AKAROA DOLPHIN EXPERIENCE
Experience a rich variety of marine life including the Hector’s dolphin - found only in New Zealand waters - and the world’s smallest penguin, the little blue. If you wish, you may have the opportunity to swim with these tiny rare dolphins. The seascape is dominated by towering volcanic cliffs teeming with marine birdlife.
Dr Ingrid Visser
Born in New Zealand, Ingrid has loved the marine environment since she was a small child. Researching whales and dolphins was always her dream, and after 10 years research she completed her Ph.D. on the New Zealand orca (killer whales). Since then her studies have taken her all around the world. Join Ingrid for the whale and dolphin trip of a lifetime. She will endeavour to get you up close and personal with a wide range of marine mammals and will introduce you to other researchers working with marine mammals. Ingrid will give you hints about how to photograph these stunning animals and provide insights about the species you are observing.
Come and live your dream too!
