A dolphin named Hector

Hector's Dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) are some of the cutest, and rarest dolphins in the world. They are only found off the coastline of New Zealand where they are an endemic species. In the North Island a sub-species of the Hector IS the rarest dolphin in the world called Maui's Dolphin. Here on the South Island they are most commonly seen nearshore around Kaikoroa and the Banks Peninsula, but you never know where you may find them. And that, makes seeing them magical. Did I mention they are only about three feet long too? Hobbit dolphins!

I've begun working part time as a wildlife guide and crew member aboard the Monarch: a fishing boat turned eco-tourism vessel well known around the Otago Peninsula. I'm still "learning the ropes" literally, but so far it's been fun and I'm enthralled by the wildlife we daily see. White fronted terns, pied oystercatchers, sea lions, blue penguins, fur seal pups, northern royal albatross, and thousands of sooty shearwaters gliding down the coast right now. Plus, I love the wildness of the sea. Two metre swells and conditions just below gale forces are "average" just beyond Tairoa Head on the point. Crashing through the waves as the boat heaves makes me feel alive and free, small and humbled by the mysterious sea.

Twice now I've seen our dolphins - they ride the bow waves of the boat belly up and skip through the swells beside flapping their tales. A behavior I'm told that means "hurry up, come on, lets go!" ...in dolphin speak :)