We have one of the greatest varieties of seabirds within a small area anywhere along the New Zealand coastline.
The seabirds listed below have been sighted off the Kaikōura Coast, mainly in an area from Kaikōura Peninsula south to a distance of 17 miles off the Conway River mouth.
One of the reasons for such a large number of different types of seabirds in Kaikōura is the presence of the deepwater Kaikōura Canyon which approaches within a kilometre of the shoreline in Goose Bay, south of the Kaikōura Peninsula. Upwellings of cold nutrient rich water over the shallower coastal waters produce and sustain a vibrant food chain supporting a large variety of fish species, marine mammals and seabirds. Click on the links below for more information on each bird species.
Great Albatross
Great albatross are the largest members of the albatross family and are among the biggest flying birds in the world. The wandering albatross and the southern royal albatross have the greatest wingspans of any bird, reaching over 3 metres (10–11 feet). Large adult males of these species can weigh over 11 kilograms (24 pounds), similar to the weight of a large swan.
Lesser Albatross
Lesser albatross (commonly referred to as mollymawks) have the largest range in size of all the albatross genera, with average wingspans of 2.2 metres (7.2 feet).
Shearwaters
A variety of shearwater species can be viewed off the Kaikōura Coast, but the most iconic is the Hutton's shearwater that only breeds high up in the Seaward Kaikōura Mountain range.
These tubenose birds fly with stiff wings and use a "shearing" flight technique (flying very close to the water and seemingly cutting or "shearing" the tips of waves) to move across wave fronts with the minimum of active flight. This technique gives the group its English name.
Petrels
The word "petrel" comes from the Latin name for the Christian saint Saint Peter, referring to the way some species hover just above the ocean surface, their feet barely touching the water, creating the appearance of walking on water, much like the story associated with the saint.
Petrels are entirely pelagic birds, spending most of their lives at sea and returning to land only to breed. They are medium-sized, with distinct united nostrils, a medium septum and long outer functional primary feathers, adapted for efficient flight. Petrels are dominant in the southern oceans, but not in the northern hemisphere. In Kaikōura, as many as 14 varieties of petrel have been observed.
Other Seabirds
The Kaikōura coast is blessed with an abundance of pelagic and shoreline seabirds, offering a rich variety for those who wish to venture out to sea or simply explore the picturesque, rugged shoreline on foot.
Recent Bird Sightings
Kaikōura is one of New Zealand's top birding destinations. The wonderful array of seabirds just offshore are the jewel in the crown with five varieties of great albatross, smaller lesser albatross, shearwaters, petrels and several other seabird species such as shags, penguins, gulls and terns.
We are privileged to have the abundance of marine life here in Kaikōura and we don’t take this for granted. In 2009 we established the Encounter Foundation specifically to support organizations and groups that are actively working on projects that result in improving the health of the natural environment through conservation, education and research.
We donate a portion of each customer fare to the Encounter Foundation to support worthy projects which make an impact on ensuring our environment is preserved and treasured for future generations.
Thank you for enabling us to do this – your support of our business is making a difference in a very positive way.
