New Zealand’s cetaceans
The most reliable place to see whales in New Zealand is at Kaikoura. Mighty sperm whales, the largest of the toothed whales, gather to feed just a few miles off this seaside town on the east coast of the South Island. You might also encounter visiting orcas, humpback whales and perhaps even blue whales in New Zealand’s coastal waters. Keep your eyes peeled for them on a whale watching cruise or during a thrilling scenic flight over the ocean.
Common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and dusky dolphins also frolic in the surf, as do Hector’s dolphins – one of the world’s smallest species, which are only found around New Zealand. You’ll be able to spot them on a dolphin watching boat trip, but you can also get even closer and swim with dolphins in New Zealand.