Generations of New Zealanders have grown up with captivating dolphin tales—stories of "celebrity" dolphins who gained fame for their unique personalities and daring deeds along New Zealand’s coasts. With 13 different dolphin species inhabiting these waters, dolphins are a common sight across the North and South Island shores. These agile swimmers are often seen playfully following boats or frolicking in shallow waters off beaches. Occasionally, a solitary dolphin will adopt an area, becoming familiar with the locals and making a name for itself.
These celebrated dolphins are woven into a rich history, reaching from early Māori mythology to modern folklore.
Māori have long held a special relationship with marine mammals, often viewing dolphins as taniwha—spiritual water guardians. Some tribes tell stories of dolphins intervening in human affairs. For instance, the Ngāti Wai people, who lived on islands off Auckland’s eastern coast, believed dolphins acted as messengers, bringing news from the islands to the mainland.
Several tales also recount dolphins aiding travelers across Cook Strait, the passage between the North and South Islands:
Since the arrival of Europeans, several dolphins have etched their names into New Zealand’s folklore. One of the earliest and best-known is Pelorus Jack, who, from 1888 to 1912, guided ships through the dangerous French Pass, between D’Urville Island and the mainland. Recognized by Māori as Tuhirangi, Jack would often choose the fastest boat to follow, easily keeping pace with ships traveling up to 30 kph. At night, Jack’s speeding outline glowed from the phosphorescent plankton in the water. His fame spread, with his image appearing on the cover of the Illustrated London News. Jack, a four-meter Risso’s dolphin, became a beloved figure, though it was never confirmed whether he was male or female.
In 1955 and 1956, a young female bottlenose dolphin named Opo delighted New Zealanders with her playful spirit. Crowds flocked to Opononi in the Hokianga Harbour to watch Opo’s antics as she played with children, even allowing them to ride on her back. Growing accustomed to the attention, Opo would respond to cheers by performing increasingly challenging tricks. She became so beloved that a song was written in her honor. The nation mourned her sudden death in March 1956.
In recent years, Moko the dolphin became another icon in New Zealand’s dolphin lore. Arriving in the waters off Mahia and Whakatane on the North Island’s east coast in 2007, Moko became famous for his friendly interactions with people. In March 2008, Moko made international headlines by saving two beached pygmy sperm whales, leading them through a narrow channel back to open water.
Moko’s playful nature sometimes got the best of him, especially with lone swimmers whom he refused to leave alone. One swimmer, exhausted from his relentless games, had to be rescued by boat. A local Moko minder was eventually organized to keep him safe and out of trouble. Sadly, in July 2010, Moko’s life was cut short when his body was found washed ashore near Tauranga, bringing an end to his unforgettable legacy.