Swimming with dolphins - akaroa or bay of islands ?

Hi,

We are going to New Zealand in November and would like to swim with dolphins. Has anyone done it in either Akoroa or bay of islands?

We aren't sure whether it is an option in bay of islands?

Ideally we would like to go to Christchurch from Akoroa but if that's the only option for swimming with the Dolphins then we will do that.

You might have to use a private tour in the Bay of Island. Here's one that popped up when I googled it:

http://www.dolphincruises.co.nz/bay-of-islands-cruises/swim-with-dolphins/

In November the water will be cold in the Bay of Islands and even colder in Akaroa.

We were on a cruise in November 2013 and yes, as Kiwi Kruzer says, the weather was chilly to mild, especially in the South Island. Don't get me wrong we had lovely weather, sunny in the high teens or low twenties (Celsius) but the water was 'freezing'. Please pack layers, we had been to NZ twice before and were quite prepared but there were many overseas visitors that only had light clothing and they couldn't get outside to enjoy the Sounds, whereas I was rugged up to my eyeballs and just right (if windblown) :)