Where can I see orcas in New Zealand?

Asked by: Trina Wach

Kaikōura Coastlinearound the coast of New Zealand (including estuaries and harbours) being seen off the Kaikōura Coastline generally between the months of November – March usually at least 2-3 times a month. These majestic creatures can be found travelling in tight knit pods of between 6 – 20 individuals.

Where is the best place to see orcas NZ?

Queen Charlotte Sound is the best location in New Zealand for observing Killer Whales as the calm water give amazing viewing opportunities and E-ko small group Tours and knowledge of the area make this the place to go. With very little vessel traffic the animals relax and can be in the sound for up to 3 days.

Are there orcas near New Zealand?

Its distribution is patchy however and it is more commonly seen at the poles and in cooler waters. They prefer deeper water but can be found in shallow bays and estuaries, and in inland seas. Orca can be found all throughout New Zealand’s coastline.

Where can I see whales in NZ?

Here is a run-down of the top locations to go whale watching in New Zealand.

• Kaikōura. Canterbury. …
• Malborough Sounds. North of the South Island. …
• Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Depart From The Viaduct. …
• Moutohora Island. Bay of Plenty. …
• Akaroa. South Island.

What time of year can you see whales in New Zealand?

Orca (killer whales) may be seen from December to March, and humpback whales in June and July. Several dolphin species are seen almost daily in the area. Whales thrive close to Kaikoura because of its unusual submarine landscape.

Can you swim with orcas in New Zealand?

It is illegal to enter the water with the intention to swim or dive or snorkel with orca, in New Zealand waters.

Are there orcas in Milford Sound?

Pilot whales, orca, and southern right whales are some of the beautiful creatures that hang out around New Zealand’s coastal waters in Fiordland. Book your Milford Sound cruise here.

Can you see blue whales in New Zealand?

New Zealand has its own population of the largest animal of the world – the blue whale. That’s according to US and Kiwi researchers who say a group of blue whales found around the South Taranaki Bight are genetically distinct from those in the Pacific and Southern oceans.

How many orca pods are there in NZ?

New Zealand orcas

There are fewer than 200 orcas living in New Zealand waters, where they are protected.

Do orcas eat humans?

There is no record of an orca ever killing a human in the wild. This is because humans are not part of their natural diet. Occasionally, an orca may mistake a human for something they do eat, such as a seal.

Can you swim with whales in New Zealand?

Swim with dolphins in Kaikōura, Christchurch – Canterbury

Kaikōura is undoubtedly the marine capital of New Zealand, with whales, dolphins, seals and seabirds viewed only minutes from shore.

Why are there so many whales in Kaikoura?

Kaikōura is one of the few places in the world where Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore. They congregate here because the 3km deep Kaikōura Canyon runs right up against the coast creating a rare system of sea currents that sustain an incredibly rich marine food chain.

Can you see whales in Wellington?

Experience a unique whale, dolphin, seal or penguin encounter in Wellington City. Many eco-tourism cruises offer exciting whale or dolphin watching experiences. If you don’t mind getting wet, you may be able to swim with the whales or dolphins.

What happened to the orca in Wellington?

A baby orca found stranded in New Zealand has died, after a huge effort to reunite him with his mother failed. The killer whale – named Toa – washed ashore near the capital Wellington 10 days ago, prompting a desperate search to find his family in nearby waters.

Can you see whales from the shore in Kaikoura?

Kaikoura is one of the few places in the world where Sperm Whales can be seen year-round and close to shore.

Where is the baby orca in Plimmerton?

Baby orca Toa has died, the Department of Conservation has confirmed. The juvenile orca, aged between 3 and 6 months, was found stranded on rocks at Plimmerton beach near Porirua on July 11.

Is TOA the orca still alive?

Toa was stranded on July 11 and died 13 days later on July 23.

What was the name of the baby orca that died in July after being cared for over two weeks in Porirua?

Toa

For more than two weeks, the plight of Toa, the baby orca stranded on rocks north of Porirua in mid-July after he was separated from his pod, gripped the nation.

What happened to the baby orca?

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has confirmed stranded baby orca Toa has passed away. Whale Rescue on Friday night posted to Facebook that Toa had “rapidly deteriorated” on Friday night. “Vets on site rushed to his aid but were unable to save him.

Why are orca calves orange?

For orcas that are less than six months old, the white patches on their body appear orange or peachy in colour. Scientists believe this is because when a calf is first born, it does not have a very thick blubber layer, and small blood vessels are showing through their white skin, giving it an orange appearance.

Where is an orca’s eye?

The eye is located just below and in front of the eyespot. Orcas have excellent eyesight in and out of the water. They also have a well-developed sense of hearing. And like other cetaceans, Orcas receive sound through receptors in their jawbones.

What happened toa?

Toa, the orca calf separated from its pod, has died. He was thought to be between two and six months old. Whale Rescue posted on social media on Friday night that his condition rapidly deteriorated.

How old was Toa the orca?

between two and six months old

The young calf, named Toa – which means brave or strong in Māori – was thought to be between two and six months old, and became stranded on rocks north of Wellington two weeks ago with minor injuries.

What happened to the baby whale?

The whale rescue organization, which was taking care of Toa took Twitter to announce the death of the baby whale. They posted pictures of him while under care on July 21. However, he was “too young to survive alone” and his health deteriorated on Friday night, the rescuers informed.