New Zealand's Boating Website

You can help protect Maui ’s dolphins by:

• Not using set nets in those west coast harbours where Maui’s dolphins are known to have been seen. If you do set nets and see dolphins, please lift your net from the water immediately.
• Using a “no wake” speed for boats within 300 metres of dolphins.
• Not swimming with Maui’s dolphins or throwing food near them.
• Taking all plastic rubbish to shore for safe disposal.
• Reporting sightings of Maui’s dolphins to the WWF Sightings Network by phoning 0800 4 MAUIS (0800 4 62847) or submitting a report on www.mauisdolphin.org.nz This information is shared with DOC.(Report the location, number of dolphins and date and time of sighting. If possible, take a photo with the shore in the background.)
• Reporting dead or stranded Maui’s dolphins immediately to DOC, by phoning:
  0800 DOCHOT (0800 362468). Do not move the dolphin or any nets found in the area.
• Contacting the Ministry of Fisheries on 0800 4 POACHER (0800 4 76224) if you see set nets within the closed areas.

Boating near Whales or Dolphins

Whales and dolphins abound in the waters of the Hauraki Gulf. Sei, Minke and Bryde’s whales are sighted regularly, while Humpbacks pass through on their way to and from tropical breeding grounds in the South Pacific. Common and Bottlenose dolphins and Orca (Killer whales) are also frequently seen. These animals are all protected under legislation administered by DOC. Boats can be a threat to whales and dolphins. If you see marine mammals please observe the following guidelines.

• Do not disrupt the movement of whales and dolphins or assume they will move out of the way
• Do not exceed 5 knots when knowingly or deliberately approaching within 200 metres of a marine mammal. Please refer to ARC Navigation Safety Bylaw 3.2.2(d).
• It is illegal to approach closer than 50 metres to a whale. This increases to 300 metres if there are already three boats close
• Any approaches to dolphins and whales should be made parallel to and slightly to the rear
• Do not swim with juvenile animals
• Any whales or dolphins accidentally struck or any dead carcass should be reported immediately to the Coastguard on VHF Channel 16. Ask them to notify DOC. Please also report any whale or dolphin stranding.