BACKGROUND

Whale and dolphin watching in New Zealand began in early 1988 at Kaikoura, a small coastal township on the South Island's east coast (Figure 1). From a tentative beginning involving two people, a single boat, and an uncertain client base, the industry quickly expanded and diversified.

The whale watch company based at Kaikoura currently operates two large (13-metre, 30-40 passenger) and two small (6-metre, 10 passenger) vessels, offering up to four trips per day per boat, depending on demand, time of year and sea conditions. Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are the focus of these whale watch trips, though several other marine mammal species are observed when time and opportunity permits. Dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus), Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori), as well as New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) are regularly approached by the four whale watch boats. Other species that are seen along the Kaikoura coast include orca, pilot whales, humpback whales, and occasionally southern right, minke, sei and fin whales, and southern right whale dolphins.

The Department of Conservation has not to date issued any further permits to view sperm whales, but several other companies in Kaikoura offer alternatives to 'traditional' whale watching. Swimming with dusky dolphins and seals is now very popular, especially with younger tourists. Three boats regularly offer trips of this nature from November to April when dusky dolphins are abundant (pods in excess of 1,000 individuals are not uncommon) an sea temperatures are warmest.

Additionally, four operations offer scenic flights to view whales and dolphins along the Kaikoura coast. These provide a totally different view of the marine mammals and are an alternative for those with limited time or who are less inclined to brave the open sea. Fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters are available.

Boats operated from Kaikoura are typically fast and highly manoeuvrable. The exposed and changeable nature of the Kaikoura coast, coupled with the need to trailer the vessels each night, dictates the use of such vessels.

The success of marine mammal watching at Kaikoura has prompted many other operators to establish trips to view marine mammals around New Zealand, ranging from Fiordland in the south to the Bay of Islands in the north (Figure 2). These operators concentrate principally

on dolphins and seals, although whales are viewed when the opportunity arises. The main

areas and species observed are: