By rental car or private transfer many travelers to new zealand like to rent a car, which gives them flexibility to stop at out of theway spots. Nearly half of the worlds whale species are seen around new zealand s coasts with 9 species of baleen whale, 33 species of toothed whales including 3 sperm whales. The 10 best things to do in bay of islands coronavirus. Overnight sailing cruise bay of islands new zealand ecocruz. Hatwell works for new zealand company explore images which arranges nature tours and takes photos to help tourists enjoy their experience. Go in off the rocks, watch for the current as youll be pushed down the line making positioning for takeoff harder than it needs to be. Look for whales, dolphins and seabirds in the pristine waters of hauraki gulf just a short boat ride from auckland citys viaduct harbour. See matapouri to whale bay walkway post for more info. Learn from experts on board working to protect these precious creatures and their fragile home.
Backpacking new zealand on any budget 2020 travel guide. Whaletrips new zealand best tips for whale watching in. The 10 best things to do in bay of islands 2020 with. Beyond whale bay, the beaches are more open to the ocean. The bay of islands is one of the best places in new zealand to view wild dolphins and migratory whales yearround.
Book your tickets online for the top things to do in bay of islands, new zealand on tripadvisor. Sep 09, 2016 new zealand photographer sam kynmancole captured drone footage of a playful orca whale interacting with a kayaker in army bay, new zealand. New zealand is renowned for having a plethora of tourist attractions, but few have the broad appeal of whale watching. This has made it a paradise for the sea creatures, resulting in one third of. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9 kilometres 5. The warm, white sand runs between your toes as you walk alongside the turquoise. One of my favourite areas of new zealand is the bay of islands with its beautiful lush green scenery and rounding hills. During these months we most commonly have the opportunity to view pods of orca as they pass by, usually in pods of between 612 individuals 2 or 3 times a month. Bay of islands whales, dolphins, seals and penguins directory, new zealand. Facts about orca, pilot whales, brydes whale, humpback whale and more. Anchoring at roberton island, captain cook made contact with the local maori people and immediately started trading with them. With shimmering safe waters and superb beaches, paihia is a good place to be based for your bay of islands experience. The island is one of new zealand s most naturally beautiful sites and is pest free which allows native flora and fauna to thrive. Head north on our bay of islands tours from auckland, the city of sails to the beautiful bay of islands in new zealand.
Or you can visit a seal colony or penguin colony in russell, bay of islands, northland, new zealand. Not all whale watching hot spots are located in the south island of aotearoa. The bay of islands is an aquatic playground lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myraid of secluded beaches. Whaling commenced in new zealand waters only 22 years after captain cooks first voyage to new zealand. Guide to fishing in the bay of islands bay of islands. Located on a ridge overlooking whale bay in kerikeri, new zealand, the site falls in three directions and is bordered by cattle and sheep stations giving. On a new zealand whale watching tour in kaikoura, you can choose a tour to view these magnificent creatures from the water, on a specially designed catamaran, or from the air in a four or eight seat aeroplane. At its northern end are the kerikeri and te puna mangonui inlets and to the south is the waikare inlet. Whale watching in the bay of islands bay of islands. Spectacular close up photography of a lone humpback whale hunting for fish in the bay of islands. Toprated paihia whale watching tours 2020 dolphin tours. Your captain cruises to remote islands, where you look for dolphins and other marine animals such as seals, orcas and penguins. The water is so warm on this coast for two born and bred south islanders.
The bay of islands is a natural harbour about 16 kilometres wide on the northeastern coast of new zealands north island. Stunning at any time of the year, this little piece of paradise will take your breath away. Visit an offshore wildlife refuge moutohora also known as whale island, home to some of nzs most endangered birds and reptiles. The department of conservation says those found in new zealand have been between 3m and 15m. Moutohora island, bay of plenty spent a great four hours on a cruise to moutohora island, a dormant volcano and wildlife sanctuary about 8km off the coast from whakatane in new zealand s bay of plenty. Humpback whale in pahia bay of islands new zealand youtube. Whale bay matapouri 2020 all you need to know before you.
The bay of islands is one of the best places in new zealand. The snorkel spot will be selected by the skipper on the day. Thanks to its subtropical climate and pristine, sheltered waters, the bay of islands is a haven for new zealand wildlife. Join our friendly crew and discover the bay of islands maritime park on a 3 day2 night sailing adventure aboard the manawanui, a 22metre ketch. The hauraki gulf marine park just outside auckland city is also a significant whale. Moutohora island or whale island is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9 kilometres north of the town of whakatane. Whale motuhora island forms the summit of a largely submerged pleistocene daciticandesitic complex volcano that lies 11 km offshore from whakatane in the bay of plenty. This halfday dolphin tour is specially designed to respect the dolphins habitat, and includes use of snorkeling equipment and a wetsuit.
This architectural solution sits lightly on the land, with cantilevered floors that minimize site disruption. The first recorded whale ship was the william and ann under the command of captain william bunker, who called at doubtless bay in 1791 during a spermwhaling voyage in the pacific ocean. Whale watching in new zea land is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and the hauraki gulf. Information on migratory whales in the bay of islands, new zealand. Bay of islands dolphin cruise from paihia or russell. This is still an area of volcanic activity and there are hot springs on the island in sulphur valley, mcewans bay. They are the north island or te ikaamaui, and the south. Early this month jetskiers near whangamata, riding towards the aldermen islands, spotted a whale. Whale watch kaikoura new zealand tourist attraction. The concurrrence of maori values, governance and economic need in whale watching. Kaikoura is on the east coast of south island, new zealand. New zealand whales the giants of the deep are frequent visitors to the bay of islands.
The area is particularly renowned for its whaling history the closing of its last whaling station in 1964 is said to have marked the end of the activity in new zealand. Or you can visit a seal colony or penguin colony in bay of islands, northland, new zealand. Known as the highlight of northland, new zealand, the bay of islands is an outdoor lovers paradise. The chicago athenaeum whale bay house bay of islands. Heres your chance to get up close to the majestic giants of the sea. He was with them on a dolphin and whale watching boat. Whale watch kaikoura is one of the most popular tourist attractions in new zealand. The island is 15 x 5 km wide and elongated in an eastwest direction. The best places to go whale watching in new zealand. If youd like to see dolphins and whales in the bay of islands.
From marine mammals to native birds, the bay of islands is teeming with animal life. If you dont mind getting wet, swimming with the whales or dolphins may be an option. The mother and calf, suspected to be stillborn, were first spotted. Find your perfect hotel or other accommodation for your stay, or book something to do in the tours or activities section the bay of islands is one of the most picturesque and popular holiday sites in new zealand, combining great outdoor. The bay of islands is an area on the east coast of the far north district of the north island of new zealand. The hauraki gulf marine park is the wonderland for marine life with more than 1. Whale shark greets jetski tour in the bay of islands. Sustainable tourism and ecological management eds j. Not only is it the main place to see whales in the whole country, it is also one of the most popular spots in the world where you can easily have access to sperm whales. View new zealand s oldest european buildings the stone store and mission house follow the art and craft trail and watch the. Mar 01, 2017 the bay of islands new zealand is not only a significant site because of its beauty, it was also the landing point of one of the earliest european colonies and is the birthplace of the multicultural new zealand that we know today. Tours are offered since the 90ies, mostly on the southern island, the northern island following its lead. Most dolphin and whale cruise boat tours leave from paihia in the bay of islands.
Choose between a sedate hole in the rock cruise or an exciting speed boat ride to the tip of cape brett. Research on whale and dolphin watching in new zealand. The bay of islands, new zealand was given its name when captain james cook stopped here on his round the world journey in 1769. Bay of islands tourism bay of islands accommodation. It is also the location where the first southern right whale on main islands sighted since. Humpback whale in pahia bay of islands new zealand. Bay of islands tours greatsights new zealand tours. The tory channel connects the marlborough sounds to the cook strait, as well as being the part of the main route taken by the interisland ferries between wellington and picton. A small population of less than 200 animals call new zealand home, orca visit the bay of islands in pods of 2 15 animals on average.
Experience the magic of kaikoura whale watching with one of our tours. The 15 best things to do in bay of islands 2020 with. Paihia known as the jewel of the magnificent bay of islands. Whale watching, fur seals, penguins and wildlife, bay of. Whales are very similar to dolphins in that theyre warmblooded mammals and breathe air through their blowholes. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in the country, and has been renowned internationally for its biggame fishing since american author zane grey publicised it in the 1930s. Top 10 things to do bay of islands, new zealand experience oz. Killer whale attacks dolphin in front of tourists new. Whale bay is approximately 5,000 square feet with an additional 2,100 square feet of floating decks that blend seamlessly into the bluff and the natural environment when viewed from the coast. Feb 22, 2010 exploring the wealth of the mangroves with wade doak, photographer and naturalist.
There are bay of islands day tours to suit every traveller. Also, since a couple of years, research is done in how far. Whale bay bay of islands, new zealand dchglobal, inc. There are an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 blue whales in the southern hemisphere and they usually travel alone or in pairs. The following is a list of islands of new zealand each of the two larger main islands where most of the population lives has two official names, in english and in the maori language. Kerikeri is in the bay of islands and is a fascinating, friendly town with a local community of orchardists and artists on the way to kerikeri, take a break in kawakawa and visit the famous hundertwasser toilets. A grieving female bottlenose dolphin has been spotted carrying her dead calf off the coast of new zealand in the bay of islands. Take a cruise out to the hole in the rock, swim with the dolphins, visit waitangi treaty grounds or historic russell. The bay of islands 240 km north of auckland, 3 hour drive is one of the most beautiful coastal areas of new zealand the bay has a great historical value as this is where the maori and the british signed the treaty of waitangi. The option to snorkel in the beautiful clear waters of the bay of islands.
Take the opportunity to take a cruise out along the coast and hopefully spot dolphins. Whale watching tourism in new zealand generally focuses on sperm and brydes. The bay of islands, in far northern new zealand, is most easily accessible from auckland. There are spectacular views along the track of whale bay and northwards along the coast towards whananaki and cape brett. The weather in new zealand is often best during the months of october march, so if you prefer the warmer kind of days then whale watching during the nz summer is a good bet. Whale bay walkway tutukaka, tutukaka coast, northland, new. Bay of islands pictures download free images on unsplash. Dolphin nature cruise bay of islands marine wildlife. Great historical facts and a wonderful introduction to nz history for my aussie guests. New zealands last whaling station was in whekenui bay in tory channel in the. See the natural wonder that is the hole in the rock on an island cruise and enjoy spotting all kinds of birds and marine life from the boat whales, dolphins, seals and penguins are all frequent visitors. Overnight sailing cruises, bay of islands, new zealand welcome to ecocruz, the original bay of islands multi day sailing cruise enjoy the bay the way the locals do. Northland and bay of islands attractions new zealand.
Whale bay on the tutukaka coast is an idyllic nature reserve, accessible only by foot, with a pohutukawa framed white sandy beach and clear blue sea. Visit historic russell today a charming historic village of boutique shops. Orca and kayaker encounter caught on drone video youtube. Paihia is just across the channel from new zealands historic capital, russell, well worth exploring before or after your dolphin. Unpublished report to the department of conservation, new zealand, 123 2011. Orca and brydes whales are regular visitors to new zealand s most picturesque spot, adding another reason to visit this stunning region. New zealand photographer sam kynmancole captured drone footage of a playful orca whale interacting with a kayaker in army bay, new zealand. Whale watching has a certain tradition in new zealand. The bay is home to 144 islands, ranging from rocky outcrops to large inhabited islands with private farms. Blue whales usually travel alone or with one other individual. Whales are very similar to dolphins in that theyre warmblooded. New zealand consists of many islands, estimated around six hundred, mainly remnants of a larger land mass now beneath the sea. If you have extra time on your return trip up the hill you can add on the walkway to matapouri by taking the marked path 12 way up the hill.
A rare and dramatic sighting of a whale shark has taken place off the coast of the bay of islands in northland. Watch wild dolphins frolic near your boat and have the option to hop in the water and swim near them on this halfday bay of islands dolphinwatching cruise in new zealand. If time permits, you will also visit otehei bay on urupukapuka island afterwards and if you wish you can extend your time on the island and return on one of the later ferries at no extra cost. If you want to see whales, you should aim to visit between may and july and take a boat or kayaking tour into the bay. Top things to do in bay of islands, northland region. Native new zealand fur seals and penguins can often be spotted bobbing about in the water or basking on some. Dolphin and whale tours new zealand downsideup blog. Take a relaxing walk along unspoilt beaches, take a guided tour through historical sites or go fishing. No direct road access is available so you need to park at the top of the hill on matapouri road. Bay of islands new zealand travel bay of islands nz. Experience a unique eco tourism encounter in bay of islands with a world famous whale watching or dolphin watching cruise.
The attack happened at a seaside beauty spot called black rocks, in the bay of islands, new zealand. Whale conservation in new zealand new zealand is a strong advocate for the protection of whales and is a founding member of the international whaling commission. In fact, almost half of the worlds species of whale are seen around new zealands coast. The weather is still great although noticeably less great the further south you are, and youre going to get fewer crowds and better deals. Auckland dolphin and whale watching cruise new zealand tourism. Spectacular close up photography of a lone humpback whale hunting for fish in the bay of islands near the hole in the rock. The spectacular blue whale is the largest of all the whales. Heres our guide to whale watching to increase your chances of a sighting around the kiwi coastline. Bay of islands, new zealand whale bay is designed with a simple, flexible, sustainable building system that is adaptable to a broad range of different climates and terrains. Opua is the gateway to new zealand and the main port of entry for off shore cruisers and a popular summer. Apr 22, 2020 your best bet for backpacking new zealand on a budget is to visit during shoulder season, so march to may, and september to november. Moutohora is a small uninhabited island located off the bay of plenty coast of new zealands north island, about 9. Dolphins and whales in the bay of islands greatsights.
The sperm, killer whale and pilot whales are often seen in new zealand waters. Sandy bay is a muchloved surfing spot when conditions are right. Whale bay surfing in west coast auckland, new zealand. The most important regions on the northern island are hauraki gulf in auckland, bay of islands in the north and bay of plenty in the east where a lot of different. Island bay is a coastal suburb of wellington, the capital of new zealand, situated 5 km south of the city centre island bay lies on the bay which shares its name, one of numerous small bays off cook strait and west of lyall bay. Perhaps its the aweinspiring sight of these majestic creatures at close quarters, or the fact that you get to tour on a boat or in the air and see other remarkable aquatic scenery. Known as the whale capital, kaikoura is a worldfamous whale watching site, in particular for sperm whales which is currently the most abundant of large whales in new zealand waters. Whale bay tutukaka, tutukaka coast, northland, new zealand. Beautiful coastline, forgotten beaches, and endless wildlife the bay of islands is a family holiday treasure, where spot, culture and scenery combine in a heady mix. Try swimming with dolphins, sailing, big game fishing or kayaking.
Watch for dolphins in the bay of islands on a 4hour wildlife cruise by highspeed catamaran, with the chance to swim alongside a pod of dolphins. The 15 best things to do in bay of islands updated 2020. The walk down from the road beyond matapouri, is beautiful with stunning native trees. Walking access only from either the car park on matapouri road 30 mins round trip, through groves of ancient puriri trees or via matapouri bay 40 mins one way. Whale watching, fur seals, penguins and wildlife, bay of islands. Our government has long opposed socalled scientific whaling conducted under the international convention for the regulation of whaling. Whale island volcano complex volcano 354 m 1,161 ft new zealand, 37. Places to see bay of islands travel guide new zealand. New zealands wonderfully scenic bay of islands off the northeastern tip of nzs north island has long been a travel paradise for all things aquatic, as renowned for its bevy of marine life as it is for its spectacular series of islands, each which feature something a little different yet no less beautiful than the next. Oneinamillion whale sighting and where best to spot new. Watch kaikouras magnificent resident sperm whales as well as other species of whale put on a. Whale watching in new zealand is predominantly centered around the areas of kaikoura and. Bay of islands whale and dolphin watching, swim with.
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