Approaching dolphins and whales in New Zealand: what you need to know
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
New Zealand has roughly 15,000km of coastline. That’s a lot of places to play and explore over summer - both from the beach, and on the boat.
It also leads to lots of wonderful encounters with wildlife - including dolphins and whales. The Department of Conservation has some handy guidelines to ensure everyone can enjoy these interactions - both humans and mammals. Here’s what you need to remember if you’re lucky enough to interact with them.
Guidelines for approaching dolphins and whales
On the water, approach dolphins and whales from behind, or parallel from the side, to ensure you don’t block their path.
Approach slowly at ‘no wake’ speed - maintain this speed within 300m of whales and dolphins
Stay at least 50m away from whales
Stay at least 200m away from whales with calves
Do not swim with whales, including pilot whales and orca
Do not swim with dolphin pods containing juveniles (half the size or smaller than adults)
Ensure there are no more than 3 vessels within 300m of dolphins and whales
Drones cannot be closer than 150m horizontally to a whale or dolphin. You cannot fly a drone directly overhead - even if you are above a 150m elevation.
If you’re swimming, surfing, snorkelling, or paddleboarding, the same rules apply. Once you know the rules, there’s only one thing left to do…have fun! There are few things as magical as a dolphin or whale experience.
The guidelines on maintaining a distance from whales, especially those with calves, are crucial for protecting these magnificent creatures. It’s fascinating to think how our actions can impact their well-being. I recently tried paddleboarding in New Zealand, and adhering to these rules made the experience even more enriching. It’s a reminder that we can enjoy nature while ensuring it thrives. If you're interested in connecting with like-minded adventurers, check out SBTI Match for a fun way to gauge your social energy while exploring!
Números Calientes y Fríos Excelente historia sobre el impacto del buen liderazgo en el rugby juvenil. La dedicación y pasión por formar nuevos talentos son realmente inspiradoras. ¡Felicitaciones!