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Hector’s Dophin

Upokohue

Cephalorhynchus hectori

Hector’s dolphins are the smallest and one of the rarest marine dolphins in the world, with a distinctive rounded dorsal fin.

Where do Hector's Dolphins live?

Hector’s dolphins are found along the coasts of the South Island, especially around Banks Peninsula and Te Waewae Bay.

What's the Difference Between a Hector's and Māui Dolphin?

Hector’s and Māui dolphins may look identical, but they are physically and genetically different. Māui dolphins have very slightly larger skulls than Hector’s dolphins and a longer, wider rostrum or snout. Genetic methods are used to tell the subspecies apart.

The Māui dolphin is critically endangered, while the Hector’s dolphin is endangered.

Our Projects

Citizens of the Sea

A new citizen science initiative is empowering sailors to map marine biodiversity and ocean health in the Pacific, equipping blue-water sailors with the latest technology to gather important data while at sea.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Pacific Ocean

New Tech for a Prickly Problem

Marine life in Northern New Zealand is under threat with the sub-tropical long-spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) rapidly taking over, mowing down kelp forests which are home for many important species.

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Northern Aotearoa

Restoring Flourishing Coastal Ecosystems

Kelp is vital for ocean ecosystems to flourish, creating habitats for marine life and is hugely efficient at fixing carbon. However, many coastlines which were once home to vast forests of kelp, now lie bare, thriving reef ecosystems replaced by kina (sea urchin) barrens.  

Project Status:

Active

Location:

Nationwide