Brochure cover
Full text of the brochure
If you are lucky enough to see dolphins, whales or seals, enjoy them and remember they are treasures that need special care.
Marine mammals, like all mammals, breathe air, give birth to live young, lactate and have a body temperature the same as humans.
New Zealand has a large diversity of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Forty-two species (of 84 worldwide) have been recorded, and we are becoming known as the 'marine mammal capital of the world'. Thirty-three species of whales and dolphins have been recorded in Northland alone.
Growing public interest and increased sea-based tourism present new threats to our marine mammals: boat strike, noise pollution, harassment and the separation of mothers and their calves. If you see dolphins or whales while in the Bay of Islands this summer, you can help keep them safe by following a few simple rules.
Behaviour around marine mammals
- A maximum of 3 vessels (including jet skis and kayaks) is allowed within 300 m of a group of dolphins.
- Keep your speed to a minimum-no wake allowed within 300 m.
- Approach dolphins slowly, from behind and to the side of the group.
- Never drive through, cut off or circle a group of dolphins.
- Don't make sudden or repeated changes in direction or speed.
- Don't attempt to swim with groups with calves or juveniles (animals less than two thirds the length of the adults).
- Do not feed marine mammals and keep noise to a minimum.
- No boats allowed within 50 m of whales or 200 m of female whales with calves.
All marine mammals are fully protected. Harassment of marine mammals is against the law and offences can result in prosecution. Refer to Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992 for a complete list of conditions prescribing behaviour around marine mammals. Visit www.legislation.govt.nz
Local guidelines to respect
- Designated rest areas for dolphins in the Bay of Islands are: Waikare Inlet, Kerikeri Inlet, Te Puna Inlet, Deep Water Cove, and the area northeast of Waewaetorea Island. Please stay away from dolphins in these areas.
- Give all dolphins and whales a 'lunch break' between 11.30 am and 1.00 pm-do not approach them during this time.
- Keep your encounter brief so everyone can have a turn!
Marine mammal tourism operators
Only the following Northland commercial operators are approved by the Department of Conservation to run tours offering viewing of marine mammals and swimming with dolphins:
Bay of Islands
Fullers Great Sights Bay of Islands
Ph: 0800 653 339
Dolphin Discoveries / Explore NZ
Ph: 0800 397 567
Carino Sailing and Dolphin Adventures
Ph: +64 9 402 8040
Poor Knights
Dive! Tutukaka Ltd
Ph: 0800 288 882
Some marine mammals you may encounter in the Bay of Islands
Illustrations of marine mammals found
in the Bay of Islands
(view larger, JPG, 103K)
New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri)
Male maximum length: 2.5 m
Female maximum length: 1.5 m
Long-finned pilot whale (Giobicephela melas)
Male: 4.1 - 6.3 m
Female: 3.1 - 4.3 m
Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)
Male: 1.7 - 2 m
Female: 1.6 - 1.9 m
Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Male: 2.4 - 3.8 m
Female: 2.4 - 3.6 m
Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni)
Male: 11.9 - 12 m
Female: 12 - 13 m
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Newborn: 4 - 5 m
Adult: 11.5 - 15 m
Orca/killer whale (Orcinus orca)
Male: 5 - 8.2 m
Female: 4.6 - 7 m
If you notice a marine mammal being harassed, severely injured or entangled, or in the event of any other conservation emergencies, please phone: 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). For the Fire Service and Search and Rescue call 111.