Whale & Dolphin Watching

Well today I went whale and dolphin watching in the open waters of the Hauraki Gulf outside of Auckland. As I've come to expect, the weather was rather chilly and damp but I set off in high spirits none the less. Years of maritime activities had taught me that the temperature is always at least 10 degrees colder than you were expecting so I went armed with enough warm clothing to satisfy even the most ardent of antarctic expeditions. After the usual drive around looking for a carpark, did I discover - only after parking some distance away - that they had a patrons carpark on site ! Doh !



Anyway, as I had left loads of time for Auckland traffic (there wasn't any today) I was able to check in around an hour early which meant that I had plenty of time to wander around the Viaduct Harbour area in the Centre of town. This is clearly a well to do part of the City, most likely frequented by the Auckland well heeled and the odd Kiwi sport star (but don't ask me to name any). Apparently the highest paid Kiwi sport star is Tiger Woods caddie !

We were eventually called to order by the host for the day (I've forgotten her name, oops !) who introduced us to the skipper, Chris and the hostess with the tea, coffee and muffins, Helen, and boy did Helen had great muffins ! Anyway, I digress, we boarded and were soon underway.
There was a strong south easterly wind crossing Auckland harbour which reduced the temperature significantly when we were out on the open water. We headed North past the volcano of Rangitoto, a relatively new volcano that literally emerged out of the water only some 500 years ago. After that we passed the lovely Island of Waiheke with it's little coves and secluded beaches (mental note : must visit there one day very soon). Once clear of Waiheke the myriad of pleasure craft disappeared and the open waters of the Hauraki Gulf surrounded us.

All the while we had been keeping an eagle eye out for any signs of wildlife. We didn't appear to have any sonar gear or whale listening devices as our unnamed hostess was using her binoculars as the only method of tracking down the whales and dolphins.
There was a scientific approach being adopted though. The dolphins and Orca feed on fish and when they're feeding they chase the shoals of fish down and begin a feeding frenzy. This attracts the seabirds who are also partial to a fish or two. Therefore by watching the birds behaviour, you can be very neatly and quickly led to the dolphins and Orca... and so it was !

After no time at all, we had spotted some Australian Gannets diving into the water and circling overhead in significant numbers. Chris, the Skipper, turned the vessel and headed off towards them. Very soon after we spotted our first pod of Common dolphin. There were 2 initially and they immediately swam to the bow of the boat and rode the bow waves. After a couple of minutes they were joined by a third, then a forth and a fifth. The dolphins were clearly enjoying themselves and several were jumping out of the water in playful mood. They stayed with the boat for ages until eventually we decided to go in search of Orca (Killer Whales) who spend large amounts of their time in the waters of Auckland harbour. Orca are regularly seen around the Harbour Bridge right on the edge of the city !



Due to the strong wind and the strength of the tide, our intended search area was abandoned as it was just too slow and uncomfortable trying to battle the Ocean. We then went into more sheltered waters to the lee of Waiheke Island in pursuit of Orca but unfortunately, despite our best efforts we didn't spot any, nor any Blue Penguins for that matter ! The photo shows a well wrapped up me in thoughtful mood ! :o)

Whilst heading back to Auckland we passed NZL40, one of the America's Cup winning yachts. It was very impressive to see her out on the water, even if the strong wind meant that her sails were as reefed back as they could possibly go.



We sailed past Auckland waterfront and under the Harbour Bridge in one last attempt to see Orca but it was not to be ! We did however see a crazy fool doing a Bungee jump off the bridge and was presumably paying for the privilege !



After some 5 hours out on the water, we returned to the Viaduct Harbour to berth the boat. As we did so, the sun came out for the first time that day although as I'm writing this, I can feel that I've caught the sun, erm, cloud on my face after all.



A worthy day and one to definitely do again, maybe in the Summer when the weather is a little kinder and who know ? Maybe we'll get some whales next time.

And talking of the next time, Until then.

John