Māui Dolphin

Māui dolphin is the North Island subspecies of Hector’s dolphin and occurs nowhere else. It survives principally off the North Island’s west coast. It shares the rounded fin and contrasting pattern of Hector’s dolphin. Reliable separation generally requires genetic or skull evidence.

Its core range extends from Maunganui Bluff to Whanganui, especially between Manukau Harbour and Port Waikato. It generally occupies shallow coastal water. Small groups feed on coastal fish and squid. Some individuals remain within limited stretches of coast.

Māui dolphin is Nationally Critical. Fishing, toxoplasmosis and the tiny population create severe risk. There is no responsible guaranteed viewing location. Rare sightings should be reported to DOC without approaching the dolphins.