Sperm Whale

The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale and occurs in deep New Zealand waters. Kaikōura supports a readily observed concentration of mainly males. It has a square head, wrinkled dark skin and low rounded hump. Adult males can reach about 18 metres.

It favours deep water along slopes and canyons. Kaikōura Canyon brings feeding habitat unusually close to shore. It makes long deep dives for squid and fish using echolocation. Its blow angles forward and left.

The species is Declining nationally. Research has documented reduced male attendance at Kaikōura. Kaikōura is New Zealand’s most reliable destination. Deep waters off Otago also hold whales but offer fewer predictable encounters.