Dolphins & other wildlife

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are not a diver but want to get in amongst the marine life you can go swimming with Dolphins or Seals in the Marlborough Sounds. This is an amazing experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Not only is the Marlborough Sounds one of the most incredible areas in New Zealand, the nutrient-rich waters attract a wide variety of dolphins, fur seals and seabirds that you will not find a  anywhere else in the country. You will see so many terrestrial birds and seabirds along with a variety of marine mammals against a truly spectacular backdrop.

Hector’s dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori)

This is the world’s smallest and rarest oceanic dolphin, found only in New Zealand, so is quite a treat for visitors to see!  You will be surprised at the small size of this beautiful dolphin, found year-round in groups of 5-15 throughout the summer. The South Island population of Hector’s dolphins numbers around 7,000 individuals, while the North Island Hector’s (Maui dolphin) is believed to contain only 100 individuals.

New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri)

The often playful fur seals are welcome addition to an ecotour. Although a large colony of New Zealand fur seals is located outside of Queen Charlotte Sound, we still get many male seals that choose to take advantage of various food sources in the Sounds.