In the fifth addition to the Protecting Hector’s series – Will Carome wraps up his research surrounding Hector’s dolphins with some questions for the future.
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DOC is working alongside local tour operators, rūnanga, researchers and the regional council to study the impacts of cruise ships, tourism and general vessel traffic on the Hector’s dolphin in the Akaroa Harbour.
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By Kendall DeLyser, Ranger – Visitor Information, Te Anau.
Last week the team at the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre took a trip to Doubtful Sound on the DOC vessel known as Southern Winds. What a wonderful experience!
The magical Doubtful Sound
A day out on Doubtful Sound is magic, no doubt about it. In sun, the massive landscape is breathtaking and the ocean puts on its best turquoise colour. In rain, the hills take on a mysterious feel and countless waterfalls braid their way down the rocky cliffs.
Coffee break
For many of us the trip marked only the first or second journey to Doubtful Sound, despite living in Te Anau for many years.
The DOC vessel Southern Winds
That day, fresh snow blanketed the surrounding peaks, and the bright sun cut through the chill of the winter wind. Dolphins played in the wake of our boat.
A dolphin played in the wake of our boat
We identified the special islands and pest-free areas along the way, which helped us better appreciate the monumental projects that our DOC colleagues and conservation partners have undertaken there.
There were special islands and pest-free areas along the way
I think we all returned home that day with a better sense of Fiordland, and a different appreciation for the work DOC does to maintain the beauty of the place as we know it.
The Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre team
Start planning your own Fiordland experience: Visit the DOC website for more iconic Fiordland places to visit.