Humpback whale flukes as seen during the Cook Strait whale survey
Did you know humpbacks are frequent visitors to the coastal waters of New Zealand? Learn more about this species.
Present day threats to humpback whales include entanglement in fishing gear and collisions with ships.
Find out about DOC's humpback whale conservation activities.
In this section learn about the ways you can work to protect humpback whales.
New Zealand stopped whaling in 1964 when the last whaling station in Cook Strait closed. In this video you'll meet the ex-whalers who now use their skills to help protect whales.
Department of Conservation researchers and former whalers are again about to start their winter watch for humpback whales moving through Cook Strait.
Marine and coastal conservation
To report whale or dolphin sightings or strandings phone the DOC HOTline 24 hour emergency number:
0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468)
Contacts