My sister called recently with a heart-warming story about dolphins saving a group of lifesavers in New Zealand. Actually, this happened four years ago, but it had only just reached her ears. I’m not knocking her: it was news to me too, albeit rather old. It’s a really nice tale, and if you haven’t heard it either, you might like to take a look at what the UK’s Guardian newspaper had to say about it at the time.
Photo by Phillie Casablanca
So anyhow, this Kiwi-dolphin thing got me thinking. It’s a while since I was anywhere near a dolphin, but I intend to remedy the situation when I head across the Tasman later this year. Seeing a dolphin in New Zealand is easier than seeing a kiwi (feathered variety). I’m not joking. You're literally spoilt for choice. Here's a sample selection: Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Whakatane, Kaikoura, Dusky Sound, Milford Sound, Marlborough Sounds... and who could resist a side-trip to Lyttleton or Akaroa, where you can see the world's smallest, cutest, friendliest and rarest dolphins (Hector's)? It’s all very confusing. New Zealand does have a tourist authority rating system called Qualmark, so if you’re wondering about booking any activity or accommodation over there, it's probably a good idea to check this out.
From what my Kiwi friends tell me, most of the places above are teeming with marine life, and you’ve got a good chance of seeing creatures like seals, penguins, albatrosses and – YAY! – whales. But there’s only one spot where you’re guaranteed to see a whale at all times of the year, and that’s Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island, because it's a permanent home of the spectacular giant sperm whale. And that's not all: hoards of other whales pass through the area when they’re migrating, including humpbacks, southern rights, orcas and pilot whales. So, if you go in the peak season, which is November to March, you could be in for – sorry, but I just can’t resist this – an absolute whale of a time. Boat trips to watch the whales are run by Whale Watch Kaikoura, who will refund 80% your fare if you fail to see one, and who keep a running tally of sightings, day-by-day, on line. It’s impressive. Whale-watching flights (small plane and helicopter) operate in this area too.
Photo by Aenneken
You’ll also see albatross and penguins in Kaikoura, and the super-cute little Hector’s dolphin. But in case that's not enough, you can take a dip with huge pods of exuberant Dusky dolphins, and swim with adorable fur seals. And if you don't want to swim, you can simply join the cruise.
A good place to start your Kaikoura research is on Naturally Kaikoura. Oh, and did I mention that the scenery around there is nothing short of stunning? The photo on the right was taken during summer. In the winter, the mountains are covered with snow.
Whale, whale, it's time to say goodbye. See you again very soon.
Photo by misty_and_david2