Whales and Dolphins

Traditional Maori Carvings

In New Zealand bone carvings of whales and dolphins reflect the strong spiritual bond between the Maori people and aquatic mammals.

Whale fluke, natural

Legends tell that whales guided and protected their ancestor’s sea-journey to Aotearoa. Other stories convey that individuals rode whales back to the mainland when trapped on an island or going overboard on a fishing trip. The Whale Rider movie was enthused by these legends.

In traditional carved bone jewelry either parts of a fluke, a whale, or dolphin sometimes with their calves are figurative expressions. Their symbolic meaning is protection on any travel of long distances. While the harmonious and playful characteristics of dolphins are associated with harmony and love in friendship and family.

In the occasion a whale beaches it is regarded as a gift of the gods. The preservation process of the bones takes several years. In the past particularly prized whale bone jewellery became family heirlooms that were handed down for many generations.

Where to watch these ocean mammals in NZ ...

Click into the whale jig saw to extend the field, shuffle, and start the puzzle game. Choose, shape and amount of jig saw pieces in the menu to the left. If you enjoyed it send it as a puzzle e-card to your friends.

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Where to watch aquatic mammals in New Zealand

Whales and dolphins are some of the most fascinating ocean mammals. New Zealand is fortunate to be close to waters where year round pods of dolphins and whales have their feeding grounds.

On the east coast the North Island dolphin discovery tours start from Auckland or from Paihia in the Bay of Islands where on request pick ups from Russell are available. The tour leads into the Hauraki Gulf where a richmarine wildlife occurs with about twenty-two identified species of mammals.

On the South Island, Kaikoura is the whale watching metropolis where giant sperm whales, the sea acrobats the dusky dolphins, seals, and albatrosses can be observed year round.

Akaroa on Banks Peninsula near Christchurch is home to the hektor dolphins that are also called New Zealand dolphin. Tours leave regularly to watch and swim with the smallest dolphins.