Hauraki Gulf Marine Park - Bird Life and Research

 

Bird Life

 

Finding marine mammals in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a study of the food chain, and understanding of tidal flows and current movements.

 

With over 10 years of continued scientific research programmes undertaken on board, our crew are some of New Zealand’s most experienced and knowledgeable.

 

Finding the local seabirds is the gateway to finding dolphins on our safari

The Australasian Gannet, boasts one of the fastest speeds of any animal, reaching 145km/h in a full dive

These birds are not only an important part of the safari but an amazing spectacle

Other birds often encountered with marine mammals are Shearwaters and tern species

 

Research

 

Marine mammals face many outside threats, ranging from commercial whaling to captivity, ship strike and pollution. There are many ways to reduce our impact on these animals with the right understanding of their biology and behaviours.

There are many ways to reduce our impact on these animals with the right understanding of their biology and behaviours.

 

Dolphin Explorer is a research vessel

Daily data collection about the marine mammals and their environment in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

We work closely with the Department of Conservation

The vessel enables research to be carried out for pilot, Masters and PhD studies

A part of your fare goes directly to funding these student projects

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