Cruise the waters of hauraki gulf marine park in search of whales, dolphins and penguins on a halfday tour from auckland. New zealand experiences biggest whale stranding in decades. Auckland whale and dolphin safari a day trip cruising on auckland s hauraki gulf observing dolphins and whales at play in their natural environment aboard a comfortable catamaran one of nzs best boat trips right here in auckland bookme is the home of the epic deals and last minute discounts on all holiday adventures. A tricky month with lots of stormy weather auckland had a higher than average rainfall. North of auckland, at the bay of islands town of paihia, you can arrange a myriad of fun tours, including whale watching ones. When is the best time to go whale watching in auckland. Experience whale watching, dolphin encounters and an abundance of seabirds while learning from onboard experts and directly supporting our conservation efforts.
Join the auckland whale and dolphin safari for your opportunity to encounter dolphins, whales, sea birds and penguins. Passes also include a return ferry trip to devonport. This is still an area of volcanic activity and there are hot springs on. Aucklands harbours, for example, are often visited by whales and in summer months november to may they abound in the bay of plenty.
I will be visiting both islands in april for three weeks. Feb, 2017 new zealand is no stranger to beached whales. Hop on a ferry to the seaside village of devonport for heavenly, handmade chocolates and truffles. Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and yearround residents. For example, the critically endangered brydes whale is one such. New zealand also boasts the worlds largest dolphin the orca, or killer whale, and one of the smallest the hectors dolphin, found only around new zealand. Best months to view dolphins and whales relaxing journeys. Auckland whale and dolphin safari a day trip cruising on aucklands hauraki gulf observing dolphins and whales at play in their natural environment aboard a comfortable catamaran one of nzs best boat trips right here in auckland bookme is the home of the epic deals and last minute discounts on all holiday adventures. During the summer, usually from november until march, you. Watch kaikouras magnificent resident sperm whales as well as other species of whale put on a. New zealand maritime museum 175 quay street, viaduct harbour, auckland 1010 new zealand international.
Map of the auckland islands with area of concentration of southern. Whale watch is located in the small coastal town of kaikoura on the east coast of new zealands south island a scenic two and a halfhour drive north from christchurch and two hour drive south from picton. I saw asouthern right whale, mother and calf and even a blue whale, one of the rarestanimals in the world. August 2019 whale watching highlights auckland had a higher than average rainfall this month but the weather didnt stop our passengers having a good time and the hauraki gulf wildlife didnt fail to amaze.
Whale and dolphin watching kaikoura best time to visit top. However, last weeks simultaneous stranding of two pods, totaling over 650 pilot whales, in the shallow muddy waters of golden bay at the northwest tip of south island is almost unprecedented. Report whale and dolphin sightings, and new zealand sea lions, seals with tags. Look for whales, dolphins and seabirds in the pristine waters of hauraki gulf just a short boat ride from auckland citys viaduct harbour. It was new zealands largest known whale stranding since 1985, when 450 were stranded in auckland, and the third largest on record. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and. The dead killer whale was found on monday at whatipu beach, west auckland.
The 15 best things to do in auckland central for travel. Now you can book an auckland whale and dolphin safari with a 24hour auckland explorer bus pass and save. The town of kaikoura, as mentioned, is the undisputed champion of new zealand whale watching destinations. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and the hauraki gulf. Distribution of southern right whales on the auckland islands calving grounds 433. Oct 15, 2015 kaikoura on the east coast of the south island, the bay of islands situated at the northern most peak of the north island, and hauraki gulf in auckland are some the best places to spot whales from humpbacks to orcas, and if youre lucky a fleeting glimpse of the giant blue whale. Watch kaikouras magnificent resident sperm whales as well as other species of whale put on a spectacular show in their natural. Come aboard our luxury catamaran from downtown auckland, minutes from city hotels, for breathtaking encounters with an incredible variety of wildlife including whales, dolphins, seabirds, seals, penguins and more. Whale watch kaikoura marine experience in 90 secs youtube. The local company we use who operate these boats which head out to see the whales as they come up for air, has been running trips for over 20 years and has won many awards in that time. Ride aboard a custombuilt luxury catamaran for a superb viewing experience. Its found on the south islands east coast, and its just over a 2hours drive from the city of christchurch. Auckland is a divine destination for foodies and wine connoisseurs. August 2018 whale watching highlights auckland whale.
Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and as many as six types of whales observe gannets that hunt by plunging into. Marine mammal spotlight dusky dolphins, 160 3 2019 not only do we have the sperm whale off our coastline all year round but kaikoura is also home to the resident dusky dolphin. From world class dining in auckland to the mystics of marlboro sounds, from hot water beaches to bay water sands, the new zealand wallpaper offers more to the adventure and explorer to find oneself in the wild of things and nature. We are often asked when whale watching is best here in auckland. The park is full of a diverse range of rare and exotic ocean life. Where to dolphin and whale watch in new zealand blog. Just imagine coming eye to eye with a 15metre sperm whale its an experience you wont forget. While kaikoura in the south island is new zealands whale watching capital, you can go whale watching all. The best whale watching spots in new zealand hostelbookers. Alternatively, you can download the hectors dolphin sightings app to report. Te wiki o te reo maori 9th 15th september 2019, 40 1 2019. Whale rescuers in new zealand have linked arms in neckdeep water to try and prevent about 200 pilot whales from stranding themselves again in a remote bay, where 300 of the animals died this week. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in auckland central, new zealand on tripadvisor. Whale watching has a certain tradition in new zealand.
Learn from experts on board working to protect these precious creatures and their fragile home. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and as many as six types of whales observe gannets that hunt by plunging into the water at speeds of up to 87 mph 140 kmh. Whale watching in kaikoura nz kaikoura whale watching. Whaletrips new zealand best tips for whale watching in. Aucklands whale and dolphin safari has a reputation for being the best whale watch tour operator in the region. According to project jonah, a whale rescue group, new zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, and on average about 300 whales and dolphins beach themselves on kiwi.
Every year, rescuers help refloat many disoriented mammals that get stuck in the coastal waters or sand during low tide. On a new zealand whale watching tour in kaikoura, you can choose a tour to view these magnificent creatures from the water, on a specially designed catamaran, or from the air in a four or eight seat aeroplane. Auckland dolphin and whale watching ecosafari cruise 2020. See aucklands top attractions in your own time, including kelly tarltons, auckland zoo, auckland museum, mt eden and more. August 2019 whale watching highlights auckland whale. New zealand stranded whale rescuers who formed a human chain. The truth is, we are one of the only places in the world with whales present. An orca has washed up at whatipu beach in west auckland, possibly the victim of being hit by a boat. During these months we most commonly have the opportunity to view pods of orca as they pass by. Part of the pacific ocean, the hauraki gulf covers an area of 4000 km. Experience the diverse wildlife and stunning scenery of aucklands hauraki gulf marine park.
Find out what marine life you can see throughout the year at kaikoura nz. Download scientific diagram map of the auckland islands with area of concentration of southern right whales encircled from publication. New zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings, which are believed to occur when. The hauraki gulf marine park just outside auckland city is also a significant whale. Hundreds of whales wash up dead on new zealand beach. Rescuers are trying to save scores of pilot whales in a remote bay in new zealand, where 300 carcasses littered the beach after one of. The whole experience is not just exhilarating, but also highly educational and focused on the preservation of the marine environment. I also will be heading to tauranga for a day but didnt see anything in the forums or tripadvisor about whale watching there. Once in kaikoura we will make our way to a lookout to enjoy spectacular views of this pretty seaside village, the majestic mountains and the beautiful pacific ocean. Enjoy whale watching, dolphin encounters and an abundance of seabirds while learning from onboard experts and directly supporting our conservation efforts. Rare blue whale spotted feeding in the hauraki gulf. The citys food and wine scene serves up something for every taste from modern to international dishes. Feb 12, 2017 it was new zealands largest known whale stranding since 1985, when 450 were stranded in auckland, and the third largest on record.
New zealand stranded whale rescuers who formed a human. August 2018 whale watching highlights august has been a relatively short month for us as our beautiful dolphin explorer had some routine maintenance over the first 2 weeks. The orcas living around new zealand have been found to be unique they specialise in hunting for sharks and rays and even speak their own recognisable dialect. Feb 10, 2017 the whale stranding was the largest in the country since 1985, when 450 were stranded near auckland. Centred between two harbours and bordered by rainforest, this city is unlike any other. Pdf distribution of southern right whales on the auckland islands. Next we will visit a fur seal colony before heading into kaikoura for. The louder the click the closer to the whale we are, so if the captain is hearing the echolocation of the sperm whale and its quite faint we may need to make a move of 1 mile or more and hopefully on the next listen that click should be a whole lot louder indicating that we are a lot closer to that individual. Weregularly saw brydes whales perhaps 75% of our trips and orcas come rightinto auckland harbour.
The whales like to gather here a few miles off the coast to feed, and you can arrange a couple of different ways to see them. Feb 09, 2017 according to project jonah, a whale rescue group, new zealand has one of the highest rates of whale strandings in the world, and on average about 300 whales and dolphins beach themselves on kiwi. New zealands only marine based whale watching company offering an exciting upclose encounter with giant. Last week about 200 onlookers gathered on aucklands tamaki drive to watch a pod of orca whales hunting close to the shore. Witness the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife of aucklands hauraki gulf marine park. New zealand is renowned as one of the worlds best whale watching destinations, and this unique wildlife encounter should be on every visitors itinerary. Each tour lasts around four and a half hours and the tour company guarantees that you will see whales on 75% of their trips. Auckland whale and dolphin safari epic deals and last. New zealands only marine based whale watching company offering. Aug 10, 2016 kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Kaikoura on the east coast of the south island, the bay of islands situated at the northern most peak of the north island, and hauraki gulf in auckland are some the best places to spot whales from humpbacks to orcas, and if youre lucky. Whale watching whats hot new zealand destination nz. The weather in new zealand is often best during the months of october march, so if you prefer the warmer kind of days then whale watching during the nz summer is a good bet.
Kiakoura on the east coast of the south island is also a great whale watching region. Tours are offered since the 90ies, mostly on the southern island, the northern island following its lead. Fastpaced by new zealand standards, the nations biggest centre covers 500 square kilometres. I would love to go whale watching, but it seems like the only place where its available and where actual sightings are pretty common is kaikorua. Kaikoura is the whale watching capital of new zealand, every whale watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Should you venture further north, the city of kaitaia might be where you will choose to seek out new zealand whale watching tours. Whale and dolphin watching seasonal jobs experiences and. Marine life the new kaikoura marine management area developed to conserve kaikouras whales, dolphins, seals, albatrosses, rock lobster, shellfish and finfish was formally opened by conservation minister dr nick smith on the 6th of august, 2014. The whale stranding was the largest in the country since 1985, when 450 were stranded near auckland. Around the auckland region its the gateway to new zealand for many, but its more than just a transit point take time to explore this beguiling city. Within sight of the houses dotting the coastline you can expect to see bottlenose or common dolphins and sometimes brydes whales a subtropical whale which has only recently been studied in the area. Auckland is privileged to witness whales at play in the beautiful hauraki gulf marine park. But since im also in dunedin and auckland, i guess i was hoping id be able to find something within an hour or two drive i have a rental car.
Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9 kilometres 5. Youll board a spacious catamaran at viaduct harbour and hear expert guides share informative commentary about new zealands natural wonders. In about 17 years of operations, thats only the third time that weve seen one in the hauraki gulf. Yep, ive already got plenty planned for queenstown. This full day tour includes a scenic drive from christchurch over the canterbury plains before arriving in the majestic seaside village of kaikoura. Auckland whale watching whale watching in auckland. Whale watch kaikoura kaikoura tour hasslefree tours. Heres your chance to get up close to the majestic giants of the sea. Known as the whale capital, kaikoura is a worldfamous whale watching site, in particular for sperm whales which is currently the most abundant of large whales in new zealand waters. During the months of june august for instance humpback whales leave the cool.
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