DoC reminded people the rules for operating boats around dolphins included travelling no faster than idle or “no wake” speed within 300m of a marine mammal, and making sure no more than three vessels, including aircraft, were within 300m.
It’s not uncommon for Wellingtonians to spot sea life in the harbour. In April last year a pod of dolphins was spotted leaping alongside Centreport’s container terminal.
About a month earlier a smaller pod came into the harbour on a perfectly still evening and played in the water outside Te Papa, much to the joy of those walking along the waterfront.
The whale, nicknamed Matariki by some because of its appearance in the lead-up to the Māori new year, spent a week frolicking in the harbour.
Police had to remind drivers not to stop on the motorway to watch the whale.
“Wellingtonians have fallen in love with this whale – this taonga - and they’ve been telling us they don’t want anything untoward to happen to it. The whale’s presence is a true blessing for Matariki,” said acting mayor Jill Day.
The fireworks display was postponed to avoid any stress on the whale.