Maui’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori maui) are currently found between Dargaville and New Plymouth on the west coast of the North Island.
WWF-New Zealand, together with researchers, has developed the WWF Sightings Network in order to learn more about the distribution and behaviour of Maui’s dolphins. Information of particular importance includes:
Reporting a sighting
First, make sure it is a Maui’s dolphin. Maui’s dolphins have some very distinguishing features.
To report a Maui’s dolphin sighting you can:
You can help ensure the dolphins’ survival by visiting WWF-New Zealand’s Stop their Extinction campaign web site. Send an e-card to the Government, asking Ministers to give total protection to Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins.
Adopt a dolphin and support our work to protect Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins.
WWF-New Zealand, together with researchers, has developed the WWF Sightings Network in order to learn more about the distribution and behaviour of Maui’s dolphins. Information of particular importance includes:
- how far offshore they move
- to what extent they use the west coast harbours
- how far north and south they move
Reporting a sighting
First, make sure it is a Maui’s dolphin. Maui’s dolphins have some very distinguishing features.
To report a Maui’s dolphin sighting you can:
- Call free on 0800 4 MAUIS (0800 462 847). This free line is serviced 24-hours a day
- Submit a sighting report directly online
- where you saw it – for example, describe obvious landmarks or, if possible, GPS co-ordinates
- what time it was
- what it looked like
- whether there were other dolphins with it, and if so, how many
- what it was doing
You can help ensure the dolphins’ survival by visiting WWF-New Zealand’s Stop their Extinction campaign web site. Send an e-card to the Government, asking Ministers to give total protection to Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins.
Adopt a dolphin and support our work to protect Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins.