New Zealand / Environment

Dolphins and orcas sighted across Wellington bays

18:03 pm on 16 March 2025

Something must be in the water, as Wellingtonians have been treated to a large pod of dolphins and multiple orca sightings in the past two days.

The pod of dolphins was seen whipping up a storm around many of Wellington's bays yesterday.

A pod, likely the same one, was also seen today.

Screen grab from a video of the dolphins posted in Whale and dolphin watch - Wellington Facebook group. Photo: Facebook / Naiomi Courtney

One poster in Whale and Dolphin Watch yesterday described "A sea full of dolphins sussing the East-West ferry out."

"Insane. Must be hundreds of them," said another.

Dolphins were sighted again in Houghton Bay at 11am today. Photo: Facebook / Gee McGee

Orca sightings were also reported in the group across Wellington, including Island Bay, Princess Bay and Pariwhero/Red Rocks.

"Unreal encounter with a pod of orca in Island Bay today," one poster said.

"I've never seen them this close to the shore before."

Orca sighting in Island Bay. Photo: Facebook / Bradley Saunders-Garner

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