Dolphin Encounter Update July 2010

29/07/10

Welcome to the Dolphin Encounter® update for June 2010. 

June has been a disappointing month with a lot of inclement weather with a lot of southerly fronts bringing bouts of heavy rain and snow to the mountain tops. This resulted in very few operational tours out to the dusly dolphins this month.

Another complication was due to sediment laden rivers discharging into the Pacific along the Kaikoura coastline. This meant the water visibility was compromised which also contributed to a number of trips being cancelled as the duskies prefer clearer water and as a result they were infrequently sighted within our operational area. As a result we only had 10 successful tours for the entire month of June. 

The duskies we were able to locate were found travelling in pods of 100-500 individuals in areas such as off the Peninsula to as far south as the Conway. The water temperature is slowly cooling down now with the temperature about 12°C.

Despite the lack of duskies in the area we were able to offer wildlife trips to take people out and show them some of Kaikoura’s alternative wildlife including the mighty albatross. Kaikoura is known as the seabird capital of the world and the best place to see albatross. On our wildlife tours we take chum out to feed the albatross and other pelagic birds and introduce people to these magnificent birds. With the largest recorded wingspan of any bird in the world, the wandering albatross never ceases to impress anyone on board and it’s a great time of year for the smaller more photogenic black-browed and Buller’s albatross. We also visit Barney’s Rock, home for a few breeding New Zealand fur seals and watch the young pups playing with one another in the inter-tidal pools. Occasionally, we may also catch sight of the endangered Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest saltwater dolphin. We have a small population around Kaikoura and they can either be very inquisitive or highly elusive of the boat, but it’s an amazing privilege to see them. 

So, once again, we’re hoping for a greater improvement in the weather next month and a return to a more normal operational month. 

Till next time...........

Tour Photos

» Swim_01 Swim_01 © Dolphin Encounter Swimmers with the dusky dolphins. 29, July 2010	» Swim_02 Swim_02 © Dolphin Encounter 29, July 2010	» Snow Snow © Dolphin Encounter The results of frequent southerlies was a solid covering of snow on our mountains. 29, July 2010
» Seabirds Seabirds © Dolphin Encounter Albatross up close and personal. 29, July 2010	» Swim_03 Swim_03 © Dolphin Encounter 29, July 2010	» Swim_04 Swim_04 © Dolphin Encounter 29, July 2010

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