Other Vertebrates

Birds and marine mammals are an important component of the Fiordland marine landscape. Fur seals are common and it is not unusual to find yourself being surveyed by a juvenile while you are diving. There are several major colonies at the entrance to the fiords.

A pair of Fiordland crested penguins, arguably the world's rarest penguin, coming ashore at Murphy's Beach, South Westland. (32.66K)

Fiordland crested penguins Eudyptes pachyrhynchus are considered the world's rarest penguin by some experts (and not just those after grant money either). They can often been seen in the water or making their way ashore.

Resident pods of bottle-nose dolphins Tursiops truncatus can be found in both Doubtful and Milford Sounds while most of the fiords get occasional visits. Bottle-nose dolphins will often bow ride the waves created by the tourist vessels thereby providing a great view.

Southern elephant seals, like this juvenile bull, are infrequent visitors to Fiordland. (25.22K)

A juvenile New Zealand fur seal checks Paddy out. (47.06K)

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Last modified on Monday, September 04, 2000