New daily trip limits for dolphin viewing and swimming in Akaroa Harbour will protect the threatened Hector’s dolphins while supporting sustainable ecotourism, the Department of Conservation has announced.
Akaroa Harbour, a key habitat for the South Island’s Hector’s dolphins, sees increased dolphin activity in summer for feeding and rearing.
To prevent disturbance, DOC has set a cap of 20 daily trips across six permitted operators during peak summer months and 12 trips daily for the rest of the year.
These limits, based on recent research, allow operators to increase activity to near pre-Covid levels while ensuring dolphin wellbeing.
Research using underwater acoustic devices showed that vessel activity above 12 daily trips can displace dolphins from key areas, with effects worsening beyond 20 trips.
“We need to protect the dolphins so they can forage and rest, ensuring a healthy population and sustainable tourism,” said DOC Operations Manager Andy Thompson.
Hector’s dolphins, among the world’s smallest and found only in New Zealand, are culturally and environmentally significant to Akaroa.
DOC is also exploring speed restriction zones near Akaroa Marine Reserve to address recreational boat impacts.
Boaters are urged to follow rules, such as slowing to under 10 knots within 300 meters of dolphins and approaching parallel or from behind, to ensure safe and respectful encounters.
