Kaikoura Marine Life
Kaikōura is a unique coastal town on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island, famous for its dramatic landscape where the snow-capped mountains meet the sea.
Kaikōura is also a world-renowned marine mammal hot spot, home and migratory route to a wide variety of species due to the unique deep-water Kaikōura Canyon located close to shore.
Photo Credit: Bare Kiwi
Whales
Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore. They congregate here because the 2km deep Kaikōura Canyon runs right up against the coast creating a rare system of sea currents that sustain an incredibly rich marine food chain.
For the avoidance of doubt, a whale, as defined by the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992, means all species commonly known as whales; and includes baleen whales, sperm whales, beaked whales, killer whales and pilot whales.
Seals and marine life
Kekeno (New Zealand fur seal) are the most common seals in New Zealand waters. They are very good swimmers and weaned pups will turn up almost anywhere around New Zealand. They can be observed from various points along the road that hugs the Kaikōura Coast.
Dolphins
Dusky dolphins are highly social animals, living together in groups called pods, which in the Kaikōura region can consist of individuals numbering anywhere from 100 to 800 in each pod.
For the avoidance of doubt, a dolphin, as defined by the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992, means all species commonly known as dolphins; and includes dusky dolphins, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and Hector’s dolphins; but does not include the species known as killer whales and pilot whales.
During the months of Nov - Mar there is a rest period in place for viewing of the Dusky Dolphins between the hours of 11.30am to 1.30pm. This is mandatory for all vessels and has been put in place by the Department of Conservation, this restricts viewing of Dusky Dolphins on our tours during these times.
Marine birds
Six species of Shearwaters can be seen aboard Whale Watch tours and around the Kaikōura Coast. Species including the Bullers Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Flesh-footed Shearwater, Short-tailed Shearwater and the Fluttering Shearwater.