Marine Life in Kaikoura

The Seabirds

Kaikoura hosts the largest concentration and variety of pelagic birds on mainland New Zealand. Seabirds are attracted in their thousands by the abundance of fish concentrated in Kaikoura's unique combination of deep and shallow waters. Around Kaikoura it is possible to see 13 species of Albatross, 14 species of Petrel, 4 types of Prion and 7 varieties of Shearwater. There are also 4 Cormorant species, 3 types of Gulls and 2 varieties of Penguin.

Find Out More

The Seals and Marine Life

New Zealand Fur seals can be observed from various points along the road that hugs the Kaikoura Coast. Hunted to near extinction last century for their skins, they have since become a protected species. From the dark unexplored depths of the Kaikoura Canyon to the shallow coastal waters close to shore, Kaikoura hosts an extraordinary combination of marine creatures.

Find Out More

The Dolphins

The waters of Kaikoura are alive with dolphins - sometimes gathering in pods of a thousand or more. The world's largest and the world's smallest dolphin can be seen here. Some species of dolphins you might see are Common Dolphin, Southern Right Dolphin, Hectors Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin and the Dusky Dolphin. You might even spot a Orca (Killer Whale) - they are the largest species of dolphin.

Find Out More

The Whales

Kaikoura is New Zealand's world famous whale watching destination. Sperm Whales can be seen here year-round while 7 other whale species visit regularly. Some other whale species you might see are the Humpback Whale, Blue Whale, Minke Whale, Pygmy Sperm Whale, Southern Right Whale and Beaked Whale.

Find Out More

The Undersea Canyon

Lying hidden just offshore, the 2km deep Kaikoura Canyon is one of the world's great undersea wonders. Two strong sea currents converge in this enormous trench and draw vast quantities of plant and animal nutrients to the surface in a great upwelling.

Find Out More

The Marine Life

Find Out More