Goose-beaked Whale

Ziphius cavirostris, also called the goose-beaked whale, is a widespread deep-diving cetacean. It differs from Mesoplodon beaked whales through its short beak and concave head profile. The body varies from dark grey to pale brown and is often heavily scarred. A small dorsal fin sits far back, and adult males show two teeth at the jaw tip.

It occurs in deep waters around New Zealand and across most oceans. Sightings are most likely beyond the continental shelf. It hunts squid and deep-water fish during exceptionally deep dives. It spends little time at the surface and avoids vessels.

The current New Zealand classification is Uncommon. Kaikōura’s deep offshore canyon offers a possibility, but sightings are never assured.