20 hours ago
Rewards Await Whale Watchers
The prospects look good for a rewarding countrywide whale and dolphin count this Matariki weekend (running Friday 20-Sunday 22).
Humpback and southern right whales are being reported already, traveling along the South Island's east coast over the last week, heading north on their great migration. That means sightings off the North Island are likely too, for keen whale watchers this weekend.
The weekend's events are the sixth annual countrywide whale and dolphin count, which continues to gain momentum. More eyes on the sea and more whale and dolphin sightings make for an exciting event.
Event organiser Christine Rose says 'It's easy and fun to take part. The countrywide whale and dolphin count gives people a reason to get out into nature and experience 'peak whale' as the big migrating species like humpbacks and southern right whales come close to shore on their way to their breeding grounds.'
'As well as contributing to the country's only nationwide whale and dolphin count, the event celebrates the annual return of these leviathans, and the year round presence of special ocean dwellers, some of whom, like Māui and Hector's dolphins, are only found here.'
The countrywide whale and dolphin count is for everyone. All that's needed is to head to a beach or high point, in warm clothes, and stare out to sea, for a couple of hours. Whales and dolphins can be distinguished by anomalies on the water surface, including sun shining on their backs, their spouts, and often, tail slapping and leaps - special traits of humpback whales in particular.
"For people venturing out to look for whales for the first time, we recommend taking a pair of binoculars if you have them - but no worries if not, because often whales and dolphins are easily spotted with the naked eye, says Mrs Rose.
Having a family or team of spotters helps cover a wider area. Prepare for excitement, and a fun day out in the fresh air, whether you see them or not. By getting involved, people are taking part in a unique citizen science project that helps raise awareness and celebrates both the mighty and the small lives we share our beautiful ocean planet with.
For more details see Whale and Dolphin Spotting New Zealand - Cetacean Spotting NZ, where the excitement is building with lots of humpback sightings reported in recent weeks, and guidelines about how to take part, as well as the sightings reporting form.
