In the northern part of the North island, the most regularly encountered dolphin is the 'Common Dolphin'. and this is replaced in more southern waters by the Dusky Dolphin. A number of operators at Paihia, Whakatane, Kaikoura and Akaroa offer the chance for visitors to swim with these.

The New Zealand or Hector's Dolphin is the world's rarest marine dolphin and also the smallest. These can be seen in many parts of the South Island and, more rarely, on parts of the North Island's west coast. They are not very comfortable with people trying to swim with them, but will often allow a close approach by boats. Operators who specialise in showing visitors the New Zealand Dolphin are at Akaroa, Waikawa Bay in Southland and at Greymouth and Punakaiki on the West Coast of the South Island.

A number of other dolphin species also frequent our waters. Risso’s Dolphin has been seen fairly regularly in the Marlborough Sounds and the most southern pod of Bottle-nosed Dolphins resides in Milford Sound. For the extremely lucky there is the chance of seeing the spectacular Southern Right Whale Dolphin in the deep South.

If you wish to see something larger, boat operators at Tauranga and Kaikoura give you the chance to see Sperm Whales and in season Southern Right Whales and from time to time rarer species.

Besides the cetaceans we have a number of seals living here. The New Zealand Fur Seal resides on many parts of and can be easily seen at places like Cape Palliser, Red Rocks near Wellington, Cape Foulwind on the West Coast, Kaikoura and Nugget Point. They are not hard to find, just follow your nose. Swimming with seals is offered by operators at Kaikoura and in Marlborough.

Other seals can also be found. The very rare New Zealand Sea Lion hauls out on parts of the Southland and Otago coasts. They can get a bit grumpy, so don't try anything creative like sitting on them to get your photo taken. Even grumpier is the Sea Leopard which also hauls out in many parts.

Sea Elephants are also regular visitors. One called Dumbo spends his summers next to the Christchurch Pier. With the thousands of visitors he gets one can only presume that a quiet holiday is not high on his list of priorities.