Common Minke Whale

Balaenoptera acutorostrata is a small, fast rorqual recorded in New Zealand waters. It differs from the Antarctic minke by usually showing a conspicuous white band across each flipper. It has a pointed head, slim body and a small hooked dorsal fin. The pale flipper band can be difficult to see in brief encounters.

Records occur around New Zealand, but identification and the status of dwarf minke whales remain complicated. The species occupies temperate and northern ocean basins globally. It eats small fish and krill by lunging and filtering prey through baleen. It is commonly solitary and can be inconspicuous at the surface.

Kaikōura and Cook Strait pelagic trips may encounter it, but sightings are unpredictable.