Hector’s dolphins are endemic to New Zealand as they are only found in New Zealand’s waters. The species is divided into two subspecies; one occurs principally in South Island waters (Hector’s dolphin), and the other in the waters of the north-west coast of the North Island (Maui’s dolphin).
The current population estimate for Hector’s dolphin is 7,270 animals and for Maui’s dolphin, only 111 animals.
The Department of Conservation New Zealand Threat Classification System ranks Maui’s dolphin as “nationally critical” and Hector’s dolphin is classified as “nationally endangered”.
The draft Hector's and Maui's dolphin Threat Management Plan seeks to help these species. You can provide further input to the plan and have your say on the best proposed course of action to reduce threats.
One of the smallest marine dolphins in the world,
Hector’s dolphins grow no more than 1.5 m in length.
Find out about the Maui's dolphin and efforts to save this critically endangered marine mammal.
You were invited to have your say on the draft Hector's and Maui's dolphin Threat Management Plan which seeks to help protect these species.