What type of marine mammal can be seen in the waters around New Zealand?

New Zealand's marine environment is rich and diverse, making it a prime location for various marine mammals, including dolphins. The waters around New Zealand are home to several species of dolphins, such as the common dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, and the Hector's dolphin, which is endemic to New Zealand. These dolphins can often be seen playing and surfing in the waves along the coasts, and whale watching tours frequently highlight encounters with these intelligent and social creatures.

Additionally, dolphins are well-known for their friendly behavior and interactions with humans, which adds to their popularity amongst marine tourism. This aspect of New Zealand’s wildlife is a key attraction for visitors looking to experience the unique marine life of the region.

While whales and seals are also present in New Zealand waters and would be good choices for a question about marine mammals, the answer focuses specifically on dolphins. Marine turtles, while they do swim in New Zealand’s waters, are not classified as mammals, thus making them an unsuitable choice in this context.