MEET NEW ZEALAND’S DOLPHIN DOGS

In one the country’s most picturesque harbours you’ll probably find Albie with his head over the side of the boat, lying flat on his tummy, trying to get as close as possible to the world’s rarest dolphin.

Four little pooches in Akaroa have one of the country’s best jobs: they are dolphin dogs.

The South Island Hector’s dolphin is one of the rarest in the world. Estimates put their remaining population somewhere between 8,000 to 15,000, and they’re a close relative to the critically endangered Maui dolphin – with only around 50 left.

The best place to see the Hector’s is in Akaroa Harbour, where there is a relatively large resident population. But of course, you have to find them.

Dolphins make clicks, chirps, and whistles – and while humans have good ears, a dog’s is much better. Akaroa Dolphins have four expert dogs, each with its own way of letting passengers and the captain know dolphins are nearby.

And it works, over the past 12 months, the company has a 98 per cent success rate at spotting the dolphins.

On the tour, you’ll be greeted on the dock by one of the dolphin dogs, before jumping on board for a homemade treat and welcome drink (even local award-winning wine if you choose). Then the two-hour cruise begins, heading either inside or outside of the harbour depending on the time of year.

This is where the pooches – and the expert captains – get to work.

Albie is a young English Springer Spaniel who, according to the company, is a “big gentle teddy bear” and is “easily distracted by flying insects and the smell of shoes.” However, when it’s business time – Albie will squeeze between your legs to start his lookout.

Buster is a five-year-old miniature schnauzer, who likes to sneak behind your back to warm up. Buster gets so excited when he sees dolphins, he’s even fallen off the boat a couple of times. But he – like the other three – all wear special life jackets and is quickly picked up.

You may be lucky enough to have the ultra-professional Jet, who “sits right on the bow during the whole boat trip, not caring about the wind or waves, staring into the sea. As a herding dog, he will bark when he senses the dolphins, not stopping until told.”

Moana is the newest addition to the four-legged workforce – and is still in training. “To help her get more familiarised with boat life, she accompanies Buster and Albie during their workdays, where they show her how fun it is to be a dolphin-spotting dog!”

As for the dolphins, what you’ll see each day is different depending on their mood. You’ll regularly see them jumping, riding the bow, or just circling the boat. And you may even be lucky enough to see a baby!

And depending on the roster – yes the dogs have one – you’re going to have a furry companion too.