Tail flukes of sperm whale
Many different types of whales can be seen around the New Zealand coast. Some of these whales live here year round and others are on their seasonal journeys between their breeding grounds in temperate and sub-tropical areas and the rich feeding grounds of Antarctica.
New Zealand is a hotspot for marine mammals, with almost half the world's whale and dolphin species found here. Learn more about the whales that frequent New Zealand's waters.
The legacy of unsustainable whaling practices along with current threats means that many whale species are now considered internationally threatened or endangered.
As the lead agency for whale and marine mammal protection in New Zealand, DOC is involved at the national and international level in a number of whale conservation efforts.
There are a number of ways you can be involved in whale conservation efforts.
Learn about New Zealand's most common whale species: humpback, southern right and sperm whales.
Find out why marine mammals strand, the stages involved in a stranding response and how you can help.
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