Dolphins of the Bay of Plenty

The most commonly encountered dolphins on our trips are the Common dolphin and the Bottlenose dolphin.

Did you know?

• The Common dolphin has the most intricate colour patterns of all dolphins, porpoises and whales
• Common dolphins can remain submerged for up to 8 minutes and can dive as deep as 280 metres. Bottlenose dolphins can dive to depths of 200-300 metres and stay submerged for up to 15 minutes
• A Common dolphin has magnetite (the most magnetic mineral on Earth) in its head. This is thought to help it navigate
• Common dolphins have between 160 and 240 teeth
• Bottlenose dolphins can swim at speeds of up to 54 km/h
• Bottlenose dolphins are able to whistle from the moment they are born. This whistle develops into a unique sound all of their own before they are a year old
• Bottlenose dolphins are commonly found in the company of other ocean life, such as Pilot and Humpback whales

Did you know?

• The New Zealand Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) are identified by their short beaks and distinctive patterns.
• It is the Bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) that most people visualise when they hear the word ‘dolphin’ as is the most well known and studied species.