Uniquely Kaikōura
Kaikōura is home to a year round population of Sperm Whale and Dusky Dolphins, as well as a variety of other migratory whale and dolphin species that pass through the area on a regular basis. One of the best places in the world for viewing marine wildlife, this is due to the nutrient waters just off the shoreline in Kaikōura. Come fly with us and see for yourself!
Giant Sperm Whale
Physeter macrocephalus
Length: 18 meters
Weight: 30,000- 75,000 KG
Type: Toothed Whale
The Sperm Whale is the local resident whale here in Kaikōura. They can dive down to over 2000 meters deep, then come to the surface to breathe and rest.
Humpback Whale
Megaptera novaeangliae
Length: 16 meters
Weight: 40,000 KG
Type: Baleen Whale
Humpback Whales are common visitors to the waters of Kaikōura to feed off the krill and shoaling fish. They sing complex songs with their pod.
Blue Whale
Balaenoptera musculus
Length: 33 meters
Weight: up to 190,000 KG
Type: Baleen Whale
The Blue Whale is the largest animal in the world. Its heart is the same size as a small car.
Dusky Dolphins
Lagenorhynchus obscurus
Length: 1.6-2.1 meters
Weight: 70-100 KG
Type: Dolphin
Dusky Dolphins live in large pods of up to 1000. These spectacular creatures love leaping out of the sea and are also very playful with boats.
Orca (Killer Whales)
Orcinus orca
Length: 5-9 meters
Weight: 2,000- 5,000 KG
Type: Dophin
Orca, commonly mistaken for a type of whale, are the largest of the dolphins. They live in family pods and hunt seals and dolphins.
New Zealand Fur Seal
Arctocephalus forsteri
Length: .9- 2.5 meters
Weight: 30-150 KG
Type: Eared Seal
New Zealand Fur Seals have external ears and hind flippers that rotate forward. There is a huge size difference between males and females.
