Kaikoura Marine Life

The Kaikōura (Te Tai ō Marokura) Marine Management Act 2014 provides measures to assist the preservation, protection, and sustainable and integrated management of the coastal and marine environment and biological diversity of Kaikōura (Te Tai o Marokura)


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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.

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Seals at Point Kean snow on mountains Photo Bare Kiwi3

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.

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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.

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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.

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It is the peak travel period in New Zealand, to save disappointment we advise you to book well ahead of your preferred day/time of travel.

To check our availability or to book now please click BOOK NOW

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

  • The tour time you have booked for is when check-in begins and is not when the tour departs, for that reason there is no need for you to arrive at our office any earlier than your tour time to check-in.
  • For further information on our tour please visit FIND OUT MORE