Orca / Killer Whale

New Zealand’s resident orca form a very small population ranging around the coastline. They are the largest dolphins. Orca have black-and-white bodies, broad flippers and pale eye patches. Adult males may reach 8–9 metres with very tall fins.

Resident animals travel between both main islands and enter shallow harbours. Northland, Auckland and Wellington receive regular records. New Zealand orca are known for hunting rays in shallow water. They live in social groups with distinctive calls.

The New Zealand form remains taxonomically unresolved. Sightings occur unpredictably in the Bay of Islands, Hauraki Gulf and Wellington Harbour. No location guarantees encounters.