DOLPHIN AND WHALE NATURE RUSH!

***Dolphin and Whale Nature Rush Tours resume in December 2010***

A two-hour ocean adventure to find dolphins and explore the bays of Whale Island (Moutohora) - a dormant volcano and wildlife sanctuary 7 km off the coast. Whale Island is home to some of NZ's most endangered species including the iconic kiwi, saddleback birds, blue penguins and the native tuatara.

It's a true nature rush with chances of dolphin encounters high, and the added chance of seeing whales, NZ fur seals and gannets.

To cap it off, you get an exhilarating excursion in our rigid inflatable "Sea Three", experiencing the best inshore sights of the bay!

What You Might See

 

• Common Dolphins - We frequently encounter large pods (up to well over a thousand) of these powerful, quick swimmers. Beautiful colorations and highly photogenic!
• Bottlenose Dolphins - With their permanent grin, the most recognised and likeable of all dolphins. We tend to see them in smaller pods of around 30.
• Orca (Killer Whales) - The largest member of the dolphin family, easily identified by their distinctive black and white markings and very tall, prominent dorsal fin. Named the Killer Whale because they helped whalers hunt down whales. Fewer than 200 left in New Zealand waters.
• Whales - Usually sighted in the cooler months, the most commonly spotted species off Whakatane are the Fin, Sei, Sperm, Pilot, Minke and Right.
• NZ Fur Seals - On our trip around Whale Island, look out for what could be the start of a breeding colony. Pups have been sighted on the island, previously just a resting place for male seals.
• Sea Birds - Gannets, shearwaters, pied shags, spotted shags, giant petrels, the albatross and the adorable little blue penguin.
• NZ Falcon - Only 4000 pairs of falcon are left in the country and some are living on Whale Island.  Fierce and fearless, they live on live prey and dive on humans if you go near their nest.
• Sharks - We occasionally encounter hammerhead, bronze whaler and mako sharks - usually spotted by their fins gliding silently through the water. Shy creatures that don't hang about for long.
• Little Blue Penguins - The world's smallest penguin, they grow to about 40 cm tall and weigh a little over 1 kg. They feed at sea during the day and come ashore at dusk to their burrows on Whale Island.

Trips depart from the Whakatane wharf at 10am daily.  Please note that these times are approximate and subject to change. 

Trips will be confirmed one hour before departure so we will need to speak with you at this time.  We prefer that you provide us with contact details when making a booking but if not, you will need to call our office an hour before your scheduled departure.  Check-in is at White Island Rendezvous, 15 The Strand East, Whakatane.  Bookings are essential.  For further information please see www.dolphinandwhale.co.nz

PRICE

ADULT: $80

CHILD:  $50 (13 years and younger)

BRING ALONG

• Camera
• Warm jacket
• Drink/snacks
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
• A sense of adventure!

WE PROVIDE

• A comfortable reliable vessel certified to carry passengers
• A qualified skipper and experienced crew
• A Department of Conservation permit to spend time with any marine wildlife we may encounter
• Lifejackets
• Spray proof capes

YOUR VESSEL: Sea Three is a 12 metre Protector rigid hull inflatable boat.  It is powered by two x 250 horse power Yamaha four-stroke outboard engines. Top speed is 50 km/hr and cruising speed on open water is approximately 30 km/hr.

CONDITIONS:

• All excursions are subject to minimum numbers.
• Pregnant woman, people with medical conditions, heart conditions or back problems are advised not to take this trip.
• Excursions are subject to change due to weather and sea conditions at the discretion of the operator.