They are known to dive to depths of 280 metres in search of prey and hunt cooperatively within schools. Call (NZ) 0800 655 121 or email res@whalewatch.co.nz. Only found in New Zealand’s waters, this distinctive grey dolphin with black and white markings and a round dorsal fin is the most easily recognised species of dolphin in New Zealand. Bottlenose dolphins measure around 2-4 metres and can weigh in at around 135-650kgs.

Our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy explain how we use your data and who our partners are. See our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to understand how you can manage cookies. They are threatened by killer whales, fishing net entanglement and strandings. Call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately if you see a southern right whale, Māui dolphin or stranded marine mammal. When they swim slowly, they expose only a small area of the head and back when they surface to breathe. Duskies live for an average of 30-36 years.

June 2020: “Best tour we have done in New Zealand so far. There are many dolphin watching and swimming tours. Call 0800 DOC HOT ( 0800 362 468 ) immediately if you see a southern right whale, Māui dolphin or stranded marine mammal. A current estimate puts the population at around 7,400 individuals, Unlike other dolphins, Hectors have very rounded dorsal fins. Find airfares. To view cookie details and how to opt-out, please see our Cookie Policy.

Contact us if you have any questions. We ask that you maintain good hygiene by making use of hand sanitiser placed around our facilities. Your browser does not support iframes. He examined the first specimen found of the dolphin. Common dolphins may form enormous schools of several hundred to a thousand individuals. Nine different species of dolphin are found around the New Zealand coast, including Hector's, Māui and bottlenose dolphins. They have been known to pass along the Kaikōura Coast in pods of between 100 – 200 individuals. How to report dolphin sightings . dolphins in their natural habitat. Despite its confusing name, the killer whale is actually the largest member of the dolphin family. And, to reassure you, the cruise operators take extraordinary care to make sure that the dolphins are not harmed. We also use cookies to show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms. A dusky mum has a calf every 2-3 years. Commentary by Tane cracked me up several times. Dolphins are large, gentle, intelligent creatures who seem to seek out human company, playing, frolicking, even communicating. Dives can last up to 8 minutes but are usually between 10 seconds and 2 minutes. The Hector’s dolphin was named after Sir James Hector, who was the curator of the Colonial Museum in Wellington (now Te Papa). Hector’s Dolphins are one of the smallest dolphins in the world, and it is also one of the rarest. They can grow up to around 1.8 meters in length, at birth measuring in at around 50cm.

In New Zealand, dusky dolphins appear south of East Cape and are rare in more northern waters. Widespread in the rest of Australasia this large 'Flipper' dolphin makes only occasional appearances in Kaikōura. Hectors dolphins are endemic to New Zealand, meaning they are only found in New Zealand waters. Dolphins are notoriously friendly so they do often choose to get very close to swimmers. Common dolphins found in New Zealand waters belong to the species now known as the short-beaked common dolphin. Known to grow up to a length of up to 3m and weigh in at around 100kg. The dolphins won't be harrased or disturbed, and pods with young calves will be left alone. Of the species, there’s the common dolphin and the large bottle-nosed dolphin which can often be more than three metres in length (it’s all right, they are very gentle). When you encounter them, swimming or diving, and you spend time with them, you leave entranced, enthralled and, yes, humbled that you had this incredible encounter. Plenty of room on the boat.” Home | Watch the Dolphins COVID-19: New Zealand, excluding Auckland, is at Level 2 and WE ARE OPERATING in line with government and public health guidlines.

Hectors dolphins are endemic to New Zealand, meaning they are only found in New Zealand waters.

Hector’s dolphins are among the world’s smallest marine dolphins, growing to around 1.5m in length. New Zealand has many dolphin species and swimming with dolphins is considered by many visitors to this country one of the best experiences they’ve had. Southern right whale dolphins are the only dolphins without dorsal fins in the southern hemisphere. The Hector’s dolphin was named after Sir James Hector, who was the curator of … Hector's dolphin was named after Sir James Hector (1834–1907), who was the curator of the Colonial Museum in Wellington (now the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa). Be safe and be kind. If you are experiencing any flu like symptoms, please stay at home. Want to discover more? There’s the smaller dusky dolphin is less than two metres long but very playful. Like the name “bottlenose” suggest, this species of dolphin has a short, stubby beak. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience on this site. Dolphins are some of nature’s most extraordinary and captivating creatures. Check out what other travelers say about New Zealand on TripAdvisor. The opportunity to join the tour as a watcher provides spectacular viewing of these acrobatic and energised dolphins. They are also known to associate with schools of pilot whales and other dolphin species such as dusky dolphins which we have witnessed many times off the Kaikōura coastline. Common dolphins feed on a variety of prey, including surface schooling fish species and small mid-water fish and squids. And then there’s the Hector’s dolphin, one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphins found only in our waters. New Zealand's Ultimate Marine Experience, now in your pocket! Find out about the bottlenose dolphins and the impact humans are having on this species. There is only one place on the planet where you can take part in the most unique adventure of a lifetime and swim with the worlds smallest and rarest dolphin – the Hector or New Zealand Dolphin – and that is the beautiful setting of Akaroa Harbour in New Zealand’s South Island. Swimming with one of New Zealand's many dolphin species is considered one of the country's best experiences.