Lake Swimming

Lake Tekapo

Lakes dominate New Zealand’s South Island and during our campervan adventures they proved good places to take in the scenery and freshen up with a swim.

Lake Mapourika

Our first lake swim was at a secluded picnic area just outside Franz Josef. Parked up early for a relaxing evening before our Fox Glacier ice walk we pulled into the doc campsite at McDonald’s Creek. Just a two minute walk from the site was Ottos Corner with a beach leading to Lake Mapourika.

Lake Mapourika

The water was cold but wonderfully refreshing in the early evening sun. Even with a nearly-full campsite only one other person ventured to the swimming area – maybe because he had heard the shrieks as we plunged into the icy water.

Lake Tekapo

Swimming spot on Lake Tekapo

The bright turquoise blue of Lake Tekapo contrasting with the white peaks of the Southern Alps was so beautiful it was almost unreal. 

The scorching December sun glistened on the water twinkling like the incredible night sky (Tekapo is one of the best places in the world for star gazing.)

Walking past the tiny church and small alpine forest we came to a sandy beach – the perfect place for a swim. 

Being much shallower here the water wasn’t as bitterly cold as the other lakes, although it was still pretty chilly! Our feet sinking quickly into the soft sand it wasn’t quite deep enough for a proper swim but a fantastic place to cool down and chill out before another long drive.

View of Lake Wanaka from Mount Iron

Lake Wanaka

I think Wanaka is my favourite of the lakes we visited with the clear blue water surrounded by lush green fields, vineyards and snow-capped mountains. 

Hiking to the top of Mount Iron in the mid-day sunshine was hot but the lake views were well worth it.

Time to cool down with a swim… A group of teenagers were playing in the crystal water; diving off the floating platform, showing off and having lots of fun. It looked great so we ran into the lake, naively unprepared for how cold it would be. A very quick dip and back to sunbathing on the beach. 

Even though they were icy cold I loved having a dip in the lakes as we travelled through the South Island, and all for free.

Swimming with dolphins

Dusky dolphin

I’ve always wanted to swim with dolphins and with its abundance of sea-life Kaikoura seemed like the best place.

Unsure of our plans we weren’t able to book too far in advance but Dolphin Encounter operate a great waiting-list system so we managed to get the date and time we wanted.

When our booking was confirmed it was a crystal clear summer day and we were so excited about our swim with wild dolphins.

Kit

Waking up on the day of the swim to sheets of rain and gusts of wind our excitement wavered.  Assured that even with the moderate weather warning we would still be able to swim we made our way to the Encounters HQ.

A huge array of wetsuits, flippers, snorkels and even prescription goggles were available and the team showed great care to make sure everyone was kitted out comfortably.

A short safety video and it was time to go…

The rain hadn’t subsided as we reached the port and the dark sky loomed over the choppy water of the mighty pacific ocean. The waves poured into the boat as we set sail in search of the dolphins. The waves were too much for some, with people  turning white from sea-sickness (luckily there were lots of buckets on board..!)

Even in these conditions catching our first glimpse of the dolphins was incredible as they jumped gracefully in and out of the water.

As the boat came to a halt we sat on the edge of the deck with the ferocious waves ready to pull us out to sea – I think my knuckles tuned white holding on to the rail so tight. 

Dusky dolphins

I didn’t even notice the ice cold water penetrating through my wetsuit as the waves engulfed us.  The buoyant wetsuits kept us afloat as we put our heads under, eager to see the dolphins around us.

We had three opportunities to swim. On the second swim I had seen a small dolphin right beneath me and decided I’d end on a high and sit the third swim out. But when our wonderful guide, Tracy, pointed to the huge pod of dolphins right next to the boat I couldn’t resist fighting through the waves one more time to get another glimpse of the beautiful creatures.

What a magical experience! I’m not sure how many there were but it felt like hundreds of dolphins playing and swimming around us as we floated just inches above them.

Dolphin Encounter boat

Advised to make noise to encourage their playfulness we sang songs through our snorkels. It seemed to work and the more vocal and excited we became more dolphins came out to play and show off their acrobatic skills.

I mentioned to Tracy later that my goggles had become a little loose, she smiled and said “that’s because you were smiling so much under the water.”

Floating back to the boat the strong waves gave the team a helping hand as they heaved everyone back on board. Time to warm up with a hot shower (when I say I shower, I mean hosepipe..!)

Seals and marine life

The skipper then sailed us to calmer waters where we could relax and get changed overlooking a seal colony. The rain finally stopped as we sailed back to land and I was so excited to see albatross with their incredible wing spans skimming the water around us.

I feel very privileged to have entered into the dusky dolphin’s world. It was a completely different perspective than just watching from afar and I’d love to do it again – although maybe in slightly calmer waters next time…