Wildlife
Hector's dolphin/papakanua
Visitors to Curio Bay during the summer and autumn can often see Hector’s dolphins/papakanua playing in the surf.
The Hector’s dolphin is one of the smallest and rarest marine dolphins in the world with a population of just over 7000. These dolphins are found only in NZ inshore waters; mainly around the South Island, particularly Te Waewae Bay, West Coast and Banks Peninsula.
Hector’s dolphins feed close to shore, favouring shallow, often discoloured water to catch mullet, arrow squid, red cod, stargazers and crabs. Over winter they remain in the same general area but further off shore, usually within 8 kilometres.
They live to about 20 years, with females giving birth from about the age of 7 - 9 years of age, to a single calf once every 2 - 3 years and at most producing 4 - 5 calves in a lifetime.
The greatest threat to the species is gillnets in which the dolphins can be caught and drowned. Their low reproductive rate is insufficient to compensate for such losses.
Porpoise Bay is unique in that it is the only place where dolphins come so close to the shore without being enticed by people feeding them. The Porpoise Bay population is small, consisting of fewer than 20 resident animals. They use the bay to raise their young, feed and rest.
Take care
If this small group is to survive we must not disturb them. Do not feed the dolphins. When swimming or kayaking do not approach them - they will come to you if they want to. Always enter the water at least 50 metres away from any dolphin. They have sensitive skin so don't touch them.
Hectors Dolphin
Yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho
Several hoiho or yellow-eyed penguins nest in the area around Curio Bay/Waikawa. They are one of the rarest penguins in the world with an estimated total population in New Zealand of between 6000 and 7000. The population has declined because of the clearance of coastal forest in which the penguins nest. They are also affected by introduced predators such as stoats, ferrets and dogs, while stock may disturb their nests.
Eggs are laid in September/October and both parents incubate and help rear chicks. Birds usually leave the nest for the sea early in the morning, returning late afternoon/early evening.
The penguins moult between February and April when they are particularly vulnerable to disturbance.
Take care
Yellow-eyed penguins are very timid birds and will either leave the area or 'freeze' at the sight of people and dogs. All dogs should be kept well clear of the areas inhabited by penguins.
New Zealand fur seal and sea lion
New Zealand fur seals and sea lions regularly haul themselves out of the water along the Catlins coastline. Both species spend considerable time ashore with seals usually found on rocky shorelines and sea lions on sandy beaches.
The New Zealand fur seal was hunted early last century for skins until no colonies were left on the mainland. The population is now estimated to be around 50,000 - a quarter of the original population.
Take care
Adult fur seals sometimes leave pups on the beach while they are away fishing. The pups should not be disturbed.
Male sea lions may be very aggressive during December - February which is their breeding season. For safety keep at least 30 metres away from sea lions.
Dogs and people are seen as a threat by seals and sea lions, particularly if their escape route to the sea appears to be blocked. Although they may look placid they are powerful, wild predators and can be very dangerous if they are approached too closely. All dogs should be kept well away from seals and sea lions.
Other wildlife
Blue penguins nest in burrows around Porpoise Bay while Stewart Island shags can be seen on rock stacks below the headland and muttonbirds/tītī in groups off shore. White-fronted terns can also be seen around the bays.
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