Report dolphin sightings
Nine different species of dolphin are found around the New Zealand coast, including Hector's, Maui's and bottlenose dolphins.
Find out about the Maui's dolphin and efforts to save this critically endangered marine mammal.
One of the smallest marine dolphins in the world, Hector’s dolphins grow no more than 1.5 m in length.
Despite its confusing name, the killer whale is actually the largest member of the dolphin family.
Find out about the bottlenose dolphins and the impact humans are having on this species.
In New Zealand, dusky dolphins appear south of East Cape and are rare in more northern waters.
Common dolphins found in New Zealand waters belong to the species now known as the short-beaked common dolphin.
Learn about recent DOC work with Hector's and Maui's dolphins. View summaries of surveys and sightings as well as information from the Hector's dolphin incident database.
Dolphins in NZ waters factsheet (PDF, 166K)
Marine Mammal Action Plan 2005-2010 (PDF, 336K)
Sharing our coasts with marine mammals
This brochure summarises the simple rules you need to follow around whales, dolphins or seals.
Marine mammals of NZ poster
Marine and coastal conservation
Marine mammal sanctuaries
To report whale or dolphin sightings or strandings phone the DOC HOTline 24 hour emergency number:
0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468)
