Hector's dolphin  (Cephalorhynchus hectori)

Endemic to New Zealand waters, this species is found on the west and east coasts of South Island, and only in a very small area off the west coast of North Island (5). Following surveys carried out in 1984 - 1985 the total population was estimated at 3-4,000 individuals, only around 2,000 of which were mature (2).

Inhabits coastal waters such as river mouths and shallow bays (7). They very rarely venture further out than 9 km from the coast (4). They prefer shallow waters and may enter estuaries and swim slightly upriver (6)