Marlborough's diverse dolphin populationAndrew Clarke Orca "whale" pods are a common sight in the Queen Charlotte Sound - but their name is a bit of a misnomer. With Seaweek fast approaching, now is a good time to celebrate our most loved ocean-dwelling species – dolphins. Danica Stent The Hector's dolphin is New Zealand's smallest dolphin species, reaching no more than 1.5 metres in length. Seen in their thousands all year round in Kaikōura, with a smaller number in the sounds over winter, dusky dolphins are probably our most acrobatic dolphin species. There are about 1000 in Clifford and Cloudy bays, but only 30-40 reside in Queen Charlotte Sound.

Source: Stuff March 01, 2018 00:45 UTC