Sei whale

(Balenoptera borealis)

IUCN Status: Endangered

NZ Classification: Data Deficient

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Reaching up to approximately 15m in the Southern Hemisphere, they have a similar size and appearance to the Hauraki Gulf’s resident Bryde’s whales. Similarly to Bryde’s whales, they also have a short dive time of approx 5-10 minutes.

Sei whales are one of the fastest species of baleen whale and can swim at speeds of up to 30 knots (55km/hr).

While we see Bryde’s whales year-round in the Hauraki Gulf, sei whales are only occasional visitors.

Keen to learn more about the whale species we find in the Hauraki Gulf? Check out the resident Bryde’s whale and the 24m Pygmy Blue whale.

Book your place on our next whale watching tour from downtown Auckland.