Whale watching has a certain tradition in new zealand. We still wanted to explore parts of the north island as well, but we split our time about 30. Kaikoura is known as new zealand s whale watching mecca. Whale watching you can spot whales throughout new zealand, including aucklands beautiful hauraki gulf and the wonderful kaikoura. Other species that may be encountered opportunistically during tours include killer, humpback and southern right whales. Auckland is privileged to witness whales at play in the beautiful hauraki gulf marine park. Heres a list of the top ten places to see dolphins in new zealand. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live in these waters along with dolphins, new zealand. In northern new zealand, most of the dolphin population is found in and around the bay of plenty. Packed with unforgettable landscapes, breathtaking scenery. Kaikoura on the south islands eastern coast is home to a resident. Its famous for its lefthand breaks and its four main beaches whale bay. Killer whales swimming in the blue pacific ocean offshore.
Whale watch kaikoura the great journeys of new zealand. May 22, 2010 the last whale to be harpooned in new zealand waters was killed on 21 december 1964, off kaikoura, for the perano operation. Surrounded by deep blue waters, vivid green islands and diverse wildlife, sailing on carino nz our 50ft catamaran is the best way to experience the stunning bay of islands. Further north there were also shore stations at new plymouth and great barrier island. During these months we most commonly have the opportunity to view pods of orca as they pass by, usually in pods of between 612 individuals 2 or 3 times a month. A video sent to 1 news by viewer shane watt shows the two children swimming frantically as the killer whales headed straight for them, before swimming past either side of them and out to sea. Oct 15, 2015 whether youve never seen a whale before, or whether youre eager to see your next gentle giant, your breath is guaranteed be taken away. The sperm whale captures its prey by diving deep into the oceans. New zealand s most interactive whale and dolphin watching experience. New zealand s north island is a playground for travellers with so much to do in an everchanging landscape. Feb 11, 2017 new zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, and fridays event was the nations thirdbiggest in recorded history.
The bay of islands is a great place for swimming with dolphins because the water is quite warm compared with the rest of new zealand. The winter months also bring an assortment of other whales including humpbacks, pilot whales, blue whales and southern right whales, as well as fur seals. The hauraki gulf marine park is the wonderland for marine life with more than 1. Kaikoura is on the east coast of south island, new zealand. Facts about orca, pilot whales, brydes whale, humpback whale and more. Whales in new zealand waters whales te ara encyclopedia. The whales like to gather here a few miles off the coast to feed, and you can arrange a couple of different ways to see them. Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of whale island, new zealand, as well as the logistics of climbing to the summit. New zealand, indicating the location of the south tara naki bight stb. Experience the natural treasures of new zealand on a whale watching cruise from the picturesque town of kaikoura. New zealand north island golf world top destination.
Five hydrophones in the stb recorded the new zealand blue whale call type on 99. The island is roughly circular, about 2 km in diameter, and rises to a. The actual whale watching destination in new zealand, however, is the southern island, where you can watch whales and dolphins in several places. Sep 09, 2016 new zealand photographer sam kynmancole captured drone footage of a playful orca whale interacting with a kayaker in army bay, new zealand. Moutohora island or whale island is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9 kilometres north of the town of whakatane. Two have since died, and staff plan to try and refloat the remaining eight. Oneinamillion whale sighting and where best to spot new. The tour includes boat trip to the island, circumnavigation, walking on island to saddle lookout. Also, since a couple of years, research is done in how far whales are bothered by commercial whale watching. Cruise the waters of hauraki gulf marine park in search of whales, dolphins and penguins on a halfday tour from auckland. Floating on the surface, these huge mammals spend several minutes intaking breaths and jettisoning clouds of water high into the air. Whale watch runs cruises for budding marine naturalists four times a day.
There have been confirmed sightings of whale sharks to at least 38 o s along the east coast of north island, and unconfirmed reports of them as far south as timaru off the east coast of south island, and off milford sound. Bay of islands regions, which could be an artifact of. New zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, and fridays event was the nations thirdbiggest in recorded history. This new zealand whale watch cruise is perfect for families and couples after a new zealand whale experience. Whale watch cruise, kaikoura, south island, new zealand. Meanwhile, on sunday, 10 pygmy killer whales were found stranded at ninety mile beach on the north island. You can spot whales throughout the east coast of new zealand, including aucklands beautiful hauraki gulf and the wonderful kaikoura. Whale watching in new zealand discover south island, new. While kaikoura in the south island is new zealands whale. While kaikoura in the south island is new zealand s whale watching capital, you can go whale watching all over the country. Since then new zealand has become a vocal advocate for whale protection and. Whether youve never seen a whale before, or whether youre eager to see your next gentle giant, your breath is guaranteed be taken away. Youll board a spacious catamaran at viaduct harbour and hear expert guides share informative commentary about new zealands natural wonders.
Orca and kayaker encounter caught on drone video youtube. One of the best and most comprehensive whale watching tours in new zealand for those with a limited amount of time, book a kaikoura whale watching adventure online today and see these beautiful creatures in their natural environment firsthand. Also shown are the migration routes of the humpback whale. North island whale watching activities whale watching. There are no more survivors of the volcanic eruption on new zealand s white island that killed at least five and left more than 30 wounded, police have said. Heres your chance to get up close to the majestic giants of the sea.
Authorities in new zealand are planning to cut holes in 300 whale carcasses today to avoid them exploding as they decompose on golden bay after more than 600 whales became stranded. Feb, 2017 authorities in new zealand are planning to cut holes in 300 whale carcasses today to avoid them exploding as they decompose on golden bay after more than 600 whales became stranded. The sperm, killer whale and pilot whales are often seen in new zealand waters. Whaletrips new zealand best tips for whale watching in. Here is my suggested 1week road trip itinerary that covers most of the highlights and some fun things to do on the north island in new zealand.
Journey through the north island of new zealand and explore waitomo, rotorua and lake taupo, and discover the natural beauty of kaikoura and christchurch on this 5day trip from auckland to christchurch or vice versa. Almost 60 whales have been found stranded on a remote beach at the top of new zealand s north island. The 354mhigh central dome complex is flanked by east. May 15, 2009 cruising past the beautiful whale island aboard diveworks. This map shows the distribution of the brydes whale, the sperm whale and the southern right whale. About whale island tours guided walking tours of whale moutohora island sanctuary, a pristine wildlife reserve 9kms from whakatane. As you know, new zealand is made of two big islands that are called very conveniently the north island and the south island.
For your chance to whale watch in new zealand, please contact your preferred charter broker to plan an itinerary. Feb 12, 2017 new zealand stranded whale rescuers who formed a human chain to save more than 200 face a race against time to refloat hundreds more. It is also the location where the first southern right whale on main islands sighted since. In the 19th century the major hunting grounds were northeast of new zealand near the kermadec islands. The harpooning of this unfortunate whale ended more than 170 years of whaling in new zealand. The right whale was once very common around new zealand but is now largely confined to the auckland and campbell islands.
This has made it a paradise for the sea creatures, resulting in one third of the worlds marine species having visited the hauraki gulf marine park. If youve always wanted to go whale watching, our 4. The south island has a bigger landmass than the north and takes a bit more time to experience. More than 400 whales beach themselves in new zealand cbs news. There are several highly regarded whale watching tours nearby in the town of kaikoura, which can be reached in around 2. I remember finding the scenery almost as interesting as the dolphins.
This whale watch cruise is located in the town of kaikoura a scenic two and a halfhour drive north from christchurch in new zealand s south island. Moutohora island, bay of plenty spent a great four hours on a cruise to moutohora island, a dormant volcano and wildlife sanctuary about 8km off the coast from whakatane in new zealands bay of plenty. The town of kaikoura, as mentioned, is the undisputed champion of new zealand whale watching destinations. Known as the whale capital, kaikoura is a worldfamous whale watching site, in particular for sperm whales which is currently the most abundant of large whales in new zealand waters. On a new zealand whale watching tour in kaikoura, you can choose a tour to view these magnificent creatures from the water, on a specially designed catamaran, or from the air in a four or eight seat aeroplane. Find out what marine life you can see throughout the year at kaikoura nz. These three volcanoes encompass tongariro national park new zealand s first, and.
Youll travel to one of new zealand s famed regions in the north island, observing otherworldly landscapes and pohutu geyser at whakarewarewas thermal springs. Whale watching tourism in new zealand generally focuses on sperm and brydes whales, bottlenose, common, dusky. A few tour companies offer the chance for you to experience dolphins and other sea life. This is still an area of volcanic activity and there are hot springs on the island in sulphur valley, mcewans bay, and sulphur bay. As you can see every month is good to seeing something, but the winter months mayjuly probably give the greatest range, including the occasional orca whale. Ultimate new zealand self drive itinerary a new zealand. Whale motuhora island forms the summit of a largely submerged pleistocene daciticandesitic complex volcano that lies 11 km offshore from whakatane in the bay of plenty. Whale watching close to christchurch, along the north eastern coastline of new zealand s south island, has become a popular attraction for visitors and locals. Tourism new zealand jun 10th, 2016 new zealand is made up of three main islands, the north, the south and stewart island. Located on the eastern shores of new zealand s south island, kaikoura is famous for the spectacular array of marine wildlife living off its shoresbut to see the best of it, you have to take to the waves. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9 kilometres 5.
While kaikoura in the south island is new zealands whale watching capital, you can go whale watching all over the country. Six cantmiss winter activities in new zealand lonely. One of new zealand s most famous surfing destinations, raglan is located 50km west of hamilton. How to swim with dolphins on the north island of new zealand. This little seaside town on the east coast of new zealand s south island is approximately 150km north of christchurch and is considered to be one of the worlds great whale watching locations. Pdf documentation of a new zealand blue whale population. The island is 15 x 5 km wide and elongated in an eastwest direction.
Feb 09, 2017 more than 400 whales beach themselves in new zealand. Just imagine coming eye to eye with a 15metre sperm whale its an experience you wont forget. Buy this stock photo and explore similar images at adobe stock sales. Jun 08, 2012 this little seaside town on the east coast of new zealands south island is approximately 150km north of christchurch and is considered to be one of the worlds great whale watching locations. Experience the magic of kaikoura whale watching with one of our tours. Alternatively, compare all our luxury yachts available for charter in new zealand. These tours take you out past mount maunganui into the bay of plenty. Whale sharks occur in new zealand waters from november to march, with the peak of sightings occurring in february.
Comprised of two main islands, north island and south island, new zealand is an incredible destination to discover. The weather in new zealand is often best during the months of october march, so if you prefer the warmer kind of days then whale watching during the nz summer is a good bet. Its found on the south island s east coast, and its just over a 2hours drive from the city of christchurch. Look for the mighty sperm whales that live in these waters along with dolphins, new zealand fur seals and seabirds. Not only is it the main place to see whales in the whole country, it is also one of the most popular spots in the world where you can easily have access to sperm whales. However, getting around the main towns and cities is easy. Unlike many other whale watching sites which are seasonal, youre guaranteed to see giant sperm whales no matter what time of the year you arrive. The best whale watching spots in new zealand hostelbookers. Information on migratory whales in the bay of islands, new zealand. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and. Whale island moutohora is approximately six miles or 9.
Download scientific diagram catches of right whales eubalaena australis. Download scientific diagram 1 hauraki gulf, north island, new zealand. Up to 145 pilot whales have died in a mass stranding on a remote part of a small new zealand island, authorities said monday. Kaikoura a small seaside town on the east coast of the south island is one of the new zealands leading nature tourism. They travel mainly along the eastcoast of the south island and through cook.
Sperm whales are found at kaikoura in the south island, to the west of stewart island, off east cape and north cape, and in pockets to the west of new zealand. When it comes to whale watching in new zealand, it doesnt get much better than kaikoura on the northwest coast of the south island, which is one of the only places in the world where its quite common to spot the elusive sperm whale. Guided walking tours of whale moutohora island sanctuary, a pristine wildlife reserve 9kms from whakatane. Whale island tours whakatane 2020 all you need to know. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions in new zealand. Feb 09, 2017 according to project jonah, a whale rescue group, new zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, and on average about 300 whales and dolphins beach themselves on kiwi. If you need help identifying species, download the marine mammal sighting. The adult and baby whale carcasses were strewn three or four deep in places for hundreds of yards, often. Catches of right whales eubalaena australis around new zealand. Please submit any useful information about climbing whale island, new zealand that may be useful to other climbers. Diving in new zealand quick facts from the subtropical reefs and beaches of the north island to the unique topography and temperate waters of the south island, it could take a lifetime to uncover all the scuba diving sites along new zealand s coastline. Whale watch kaikoura new zealand tourist attraction.
Dictionary of new zealand biography, te ara encyclopedia of new zealand. Its found on the south islands east coast, and its just over a 2hours drive from the city of christchurch. Low and high scenarios for shorebased catches for new zealand and for. Whale strandings are relatively common in new zealand during the southern hemisphere spring and summer. Ruapehu, on new zealand s centre of north island, is defined by the three volcanoes that stand sentinel over a landscape of tussocked desert, rivers, lakes and thermal springs. The pinnacle of many peoples visit to new zealand is an exhilarating whale watch kaikoura encounter to witness sperm whales as they rest between dives. The most well known are kaikoura and akaroa from where over 40% of the whale watching tours start. The island is now completely free of the goats, rats, cats and rabbits which previously devastated native plants and animals. The most important regions on the northern island are hauraki gulf in auckland, bay of islands in the north and bay of plenty in the east where a lot of different. Best months to view dolphins and whales relaxing journeys. Killer whales swimming in the blue pacific ocean offshore from the north island, new zealand. Nearly half of the worlds whale species are seen around new zealand s coasts with 9 species of baleen whale, 33 species of toothed whales including 3 sperm whales, beaked whales, 16 dolphins and 1 porpoise.
It moves from the antarctic up the coasts of new zealand to tropical waters around tonga, and then back down again. Christchurch canterbury, whale watching in new zealand. There are fewer people down here so the road network is not quite as extensive as up north. This video is loaded with 10 must visit places and things to do in each one from the north island of new zealand. The best places to go whale watching in new zealand. Best day hikes in north island, new zealand city to sea the city to sea walkway starts in the heart of central wellington near parliament and ends at the south coast, 12km away in island bay. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and the hauraki gulf. Whale watching tourism in new zealand generally focuses on sperm and brydes whales, bottlenose, common, dusky, and hectors dolphins.
Aucklands harbours, for example, are often visited by whales and in summer months november to may they abound in the bay of plenty. It ended up being way more than 10 because theres so much to do and i love it so. Experience with us and help protect our wild dolphins. Start your tour from the viaduct harbour in downtown central auckland and explore the natural beauty of the hauraki gulf marine park on our purpose. Whales are a very common sight in the waters off kaikoura because of a 2kilometre underwater canyon that sits beside the coast. The area is 354 acres, there are 190 native and 110 introduced plant species. Tours are offered since the 90ies, mostly on the southern island, the northern island following its lead. North island in new zealand 1 week road trip itineray. Commercial whaling in new zealand waters began late in the 18th century and continued until.