(Click a region for more details) |
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| With thousands of miles of unspoiled coast and unpolluted nutrient-rich seas, New Zealand’s coastal waters attract a variety of whales and dolphins, which can be spotted from the shore and on boat excursions.
Sperm whales, dusky dolphins, common dolphins and Hector’s dolphins are the species most commonly observed.
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| The only reliable place to see whales in New Zealand is at Kaikoura. Mighty sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, gather to feed just a few miles off this seaside town on the east coast of the South Island. Visitors can enjoy sightings of them on a whale watching cruise or during a thrilling scenic flight over the ocean. Acrobatic dusky dolphins and occasionally other species are also observed on these trips and on special dolphin swimming excursions.
Hector’s dolphins are one of the smallest species and are only found around New Zealand. They are most commonly seen around the South Island on boat trips from Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula and from some of the West Coast beaches, where they can be seen frolicking in the surf.
Common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are frequently encountered in New Zealand’s coastal waters along with visiting orca and humpback whales.
Here is a list of places throughout New Zealand where dolphin watching and where dolphin swimming trips operate:
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North Island
Paihia (Bay of Islands)*
Whakatane (Bay of Plenty)*
Auckland
South Island
Kaikoura*
Akaroa (Banks Peninsula)*
Milford & Doubtful Sounds
Marlborough Sounds
* offers the chance to swim with dolphins, when conditions are right but cannot be guaranteed
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| Cetacean Explorer |
| We have put together a tour that combines the best places to see whales and dolphins with many other natural and cultural highlights around both islands. Combining the freedom of a self-drive with the convenience of pre-booked accommodation and excursions this is the ideal tour to see New Zealand’s cetaceans. |
| Please click here for further details >> |
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| © Tourism New Zealand |
 Please contact our office on 01737 218 800 for a tailor-made quotation on any of our holidays... |
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Northland