WILDLIFE

Marine Mamals in Kaikoura.

Dolphins. The same rich waters that attract the whales attract large pods of Dusky Dolphins to the area with them coming close inshore during the summer months. Common Dolphins can often be seen swimming with the Duskies while further offshore Bottlenose and the uncommon Southern Rightwhale Dolphins may be seen. One of the world's smallest and rarest, the Hectors Dolphin may be seen near the river mouths o

r the Haumuri Bluffs.

Seals The New Zealand Fur seal is abundant around Kaikoura most of the year with three small breeding colonies amongst the haul outs. The seal population here is largely transient with most of the seals being males. They are friendly and inquisitive animals but they are wild animals that can and will bite if they are annoyed or harassed. Leopard and elephant seals occasionally visit the area to haul out for a rest.

Whales Upwellings, just offshore, of food laden waters from the Hikarangi Trench attract plentiful sealife to form a comprehensive food chain. At the top of this food chain are the whales. Sperm whales averaging about 18 metres and weighing up to 45 tonnes can be seen all year round off Kaikoura. Other cetacean visitors to our waters include whales ranging in size from the largest of all, the Blue whale at up to 29 metres , down to the Pilot and Minke whales and include Beaked, Brydes, Fin, Humpback, Sei, Southern Right and Orcas.