Location: -41° 15’ 13.07", +173° 58’ 35.08"
Upokohue, also called Hector’s dolphin, named after Sir James Hector, a 19th-century naturalist are the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin, found only in New Zealand’s shallow coastal waters. Recognisable by their rounded dorsal fins—resembling Mickey Mouse ears—they grow no longer than 1.45 meters and weigh between 40–57 kg, often smaller than an average human.
Known for their playful curiosity, they frequently bow-ride, chase seaweed, and blow bubbles, even in winter. They live in tight-knit pods of 2–10 individuals, sometimes gathering in groups of up to 14.
Found exclusively off New Zealand’s South Island (with a close relative, the Maui dolphin, on the North Island). Females give birth to a single calf only every 2–4 years.
Despite their lively nature, they are classified as endangered, primarily due to entanglement in fishing nets.
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