Encounter Kaikoura

Great dolphin swimming experience. They know exactly where to go to find the wild dolphin pods. You get sized up for a wetsuit, watch a safety video, and off you go on the boat. Recommend taking some Sealegs beforehand as the boat can get a little bumpy. 5/5 stars, definitely recommended if you want to get up close to wild dolphins

Great experience, very friendly people, hopefully the prices become more reasonable for the locals

This is the place to go if you want to swim with dolphins. You can also just go out with them and watch the dolphins. The boat is quite rocky, so not great for those who get seasick, but the experience is really worth it.

Fantasic coffee and yummy muffins. They also do amazing choc dipped gingerbread man.
Also a great selection of toys and play area for the kids.
Top this of with an amazing view of the ocean and it is a must visit.

We had lunch at the Encounter Cafe, friendly staff. Nice food. Great location looking out to the sea. Coffee was ok, it was warm not hot, I should've said something, but didn't want to make a fuss.