Short-beaked Common Dolphin

Short-beaked Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) are found in warm-temperate waters throughout New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand you are most likely to encounter them in the Hauraki Gulf and in Northland NZ. 

They are very distinctive; they have an hour-glass type pattern centered on their flanks. They can be purplish black, grey, white and yellowish tan. Adults can grow to be between 1.7 and 2.4 metres in length. 

They are classified as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

My friend and I saw these beauties while on Bay of Islands – Fullers GreatSights Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise. I highly recommend going on a boat tour when in the Bay of Islands!