They live in coastal waters around New Zealand’s South Island. Although once wide ranging, they are now found in distinct and geographically isolated groups. At least three groups are known – one on the South Island’s east coast, one on its west coast and the third on the south coast.
The west coast population is the largest, estimated at 5400. The east coast population, thought to be about 1790-strong, is the basis of a thriving dolphin-tourism industry on Banks Peninsula, near Christchurch. The smallest population, fewer than a hundred animals, lives along the south coast, west of Invercargill.
More information
View a map to find out more about the distribution of Hector’s dolphins.
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