He was thrilled the numbers of humpbacks were "bouncing back after the whaling days".
"Thirty years ago they counted 300 going past Sydney, Australia. Thirty years on we are up to about 35,000."
Pettigrew advised the public that "if a whale approaches it must be done on the whale's terms, we can't encroach on their space".
"Really enjoy it, enjoy the moment, it's quite special."
Pettigrew said he saw humpbacks often as well as dwarf minke whales, one of which approached him closely on Tuesday.
Pettigrew gave credit to Hawkes and Barry for approaching the whale safely and respectfully.
"They've let the animal come to them on its own terms."
Pettigrew said, legally, crafts cannot be driven within 50m of whales. The Department of Conservation says to stay at least 200m away from any baleen, sperm whale mother or calf and do not swim with whales.