We often spot passing pods of dolphins, which include several species, from the large bottlenose dolphins to the tiny Hector’s dolphins.
You may also see little blue penguins bobbing on the calm water, seals swimming or sunbathing, eagle rays and stingrays in the warmer months and even the occasional orca or whale, as well as many marine birds including the rare king shag.
If you are on a cruise that includes a bush walk, you are almost guaranteed to encounter a cheeky and bold flightless weka during your time on the track. Also look out for kereru (wood pigeon), tui, piwakawaka (faintail), kotare (kingfishers) and listen for the call of the korimako (bellbird).
