When can you see orcas in NZ?
Orca can be found around 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.
What time of year can you see orcas?
The best times to see them are mid-April to mid-May, when they ambush and kill baby gray whales on their northern journey. They’ve also been turning up in October, Spencer said. You’ll also find fish-eating resident orcas too.
Which South Island town is famous for whale watching?
Kaikoura
The small town of Kaikoura, in northern Canterbury in New Zealand’s upper South Island, is known as New Zealand’s whale-watching capital.
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.
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.
Where can I see orcas in New Zealand?
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.
Where can I see dolphins in South Island NZ?
These experiences are best for dolphin & whale watching in South Island:
- Whale Watching in Kaikoura by Boat.
- Akaroa Dolphins 〜 Harbour Nature Cruise.
- Kaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch.
- Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise.
- Wildlife Sea Kayaking Tour – Kaikoura.
Are orcas friendly with humans?
To answer the first question, are killer whales dangerous, they actually aren’t! Or at least to humans, usually. Although you should still be cautious, there has only been one instance of a killer whale attacking a person in the wild –with no instances of a wild orca killing a human.
Can you see whales in Akaroa?
We do not see whales regularly in or around Akaroa harbour, so we can not offer whale watching here. However, occasionally we have some rare sightings throughout the year on our nature cruises.
Can you see whales from land on Orcas Island?
5. Shore-based Whale Watching: Spend an afternoon at Lime Kiln Point State Park, a 36 acre day use park on the west side of San Juan Island considered one of the best places in the world to view orca whales from shore.
Do orcas eat people?
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.
How much does it cost to swim with dolphins in New Zealand?
Tour info in brief
| 4 hours | |
|---|---|
| Daily Departures: | 9.00 AM |
| Pricing: | Adult: $180 (16+ years) Child: $155 (12 – 15 years) Infant: N/A |
| Location: | 1 Wellington Street, Picton |
| Briefing: | 8.30 AM |
Can you swim with dolphins in NZ?
One of the rarest dolphins in the world, the Hector’s dolphin, is found only in New Zealand – and the French settlement of Akaroa is the only place you can swim with them!