Natural World

Places to see marine life

The coast of New Zealand is home to some of the world's best-loved sea mammals and birds. Many coastal locations offer accessible and unique ways to experience this magnificent wildlife in an eco-friendly fashion.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is the most popular place to see whales in New Zealand. A deep trench, just off the coast, provides perfect conditions for feeding sperm whales (all year), humpbacks (June-July) and orca (December-February). The Kaikoura Peninsula contains breeding grounds for fur seals and birdlife (shags, gannets, petrels, albatross, mollymawks). Whale watching trips, trips to swim with seals and dolphins and even a shark experience (meet Blue & Mako sharks from within a protective cage) are all on offer.

Otago Peninsula

Declaring itself the ‘Wildlife Capital of New Zealand' the Otago peninsula is the place to see penguins, seals, sea lions and albatrosses. Wildlife-watching trips depart from nearby Dunedin. Well-positioned hides allow visitors to see Little Blue and Yellow-Eyed penguins up close. The observatory at The Royal Albatross centre at Taiaroa Head is a unique way to see the magnificent birds in a breeding colony. Fur seals and Hooker's sea lions are found on the Allans and Victory beaches. The peninsula has many nature tours and walks to suit all interests.

Bay of Islands

With warm, clear waters all year round the Bay of Islands is challenging Kaikoura as the most popular dolphin and whale-watching spot in New Zealand. Common and Bottlenose dolphins are present all year, whilst orca appear May-August and whales from August-January. Penguins and seabirds are abundant. Paihia is the main centre for trips with several also operating from Russell.

Banks Peninsula, Nr Christchurch

Wildlife tours operate from lovely Akaroa Harbour to see Little Blue penguins, visit local seal colonies and watch dolphins. Akaroa Harbour claims to be the only place in the world where you can swim up close with the rare Hector's dolphin.

Abel Tasman National Park

Golden beaches, crystal clear waters and beautifully wooded headlands provide the backdrop for watching and swimming with seals and dolphins. Operators run trips from Motueka and Kaiteriteri. Dolphins frequently accompany water taxis as they make their way along the coast. Hiring sea kayaks is popular and can draw an inquisitive seal or dolphin.

Hauraki Gulf, Nr. Auckland

With many beautiful islands this is a good spot for whale and dolphin watching and is home to many other species of marine mammal. Common and bottlenose dolphins and orca are often seen on trips running from Auckland harbour. Many of the islands, including Great Barrier Island and Waiheke, also have abundant wildlife and golden beaches to enjoy.