Responsible Whale Watching

NEW ZEALAND: KAIKOURA
NEW ZEALAND: KAIKOURA
Several dolphin species are frequently seen in the waters off New Zealand. In
Kaikoura, on the South Island, it is also possible to encounter sperm whales all
year round. The New Zealand dolphin (also known as the Hector‘s, or Maui‘s
dolphin), one of the smallest of all dolphins, is unique to this part of the world.
They can be encountered on boat-based trips from Akaroa (Banks Peninsula,
South Island) but are also frequently seen surfing the waves at Porpoise Bay on
the Southern tip of New Zealand’s mainland.
Country or region
New Zealand
Location:
Kaikoura
Best time to visit: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Sperm whales can be seen year-round
Main species seen:
Sperm whale, dusky dolphin
Species occasionally seen: Long-finned pilot whale, orca, New Zealand
dolphin, common dolphin, bottlenose
dolphin
Types of whale watching on
offer:
Half-day trips
30-minute scenic whale watch
flights offered
Any concerns?
Other good sites:
Swimming with dusky dolphins is offered
in Kaikoura and with New Zealand dolphins
in Akaroa. Please note that WDC does not
encourage people to swim with any species
of cetacean. For more information please see
page 66 of this brochure.
North Island: Bay of Islands, Bay of Plenty,
Hauraki Gulf
South Island: Akaroa, Fiordland,
Marlborough Sounds, Tasman Bay, Westland
© Ulla Christina Ludewig
e Dusky dolphins bowriding | Sperm whale diving | Dusky dolphins off Kaikoura
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