Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/
Introduction
Information about some of the species of dolphin found around the New Zealand coast, including Hector's, Māui and bottlenose dolphins.Eight different species and subspecies of dolphin are found regularly around the New Zealand coast. At least eight further dolphin species and one porpoise have been found here on occasion, some only when they have stranded on our shores. Only a few species are listed here.
How to report dolphin sightings.
Call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately if you see a southern right whale, Māui dolphin or stranded marine mammal.
Māui dolphin
Māui dolphins are one of the rarest and smallest dolphins in the world. They are only found on the west coast of the North Island in New Zealand.
Hector's dolphin
Hector’s dolphins are one of the world’s smallest dolphins. They are mostly found around the coast of New Zealand’s South Island.
Killer whale/orca
Despite its confusing name, the killer whale is actually the largest member of the dolphin family.
Bottlenose dolphin
Find out about the bottlenose dolphins and the impact humans are having on this species.
Dusky dolphin
In New Zealand, dusky dolphins appear south of East Cape and are rare in more northern waters.
Common dolphin
Common dolphins found in New Zealand waters belong to the species now known as the short-beaked common dolphin.
Pilot whales
Despite their name, pilot whales are in fact one of the largest members of the dolphin family.