Dolphins are around the Northland coastline in huge numbers this summer, but the Department of Conservation is asking anyone taking to the water in the Bay of Island this summer to follow a few basic rules when it comes to interacting with dolphins.
Marine mammal ranger Elke Reufels said seeing bottlenose dolphins was a highlight of many visits to the Bay, but their numbers had been falling in recent years.
It was not clear what was causing the decline so it was important to look after them and avoid putting them under any extra stress.
Approaching dolphins for a closer look was fine but boats had to come in slowly, at no-wake speed, from behind.
"Please never drive through a pod or cut them off. Also, if it looks like the dolphins don't want to play, please leave them be," she said.