You’ve reached a Checkpoint!
Well done, Treasure Hunter! As a reward for reaching this spot, you’ve unlocked exclusive "Local Treasure" specials from businesses in this area.
How to claim your rewards:
Note: Vouchers are valid for 28 days from the date you found this checkpoint. One claim per person.
The Hauraki Gulf is a rare coastal home to around 135 nationally critically endangered Bryde’s whales. They spend 90% of their time near the surface between Kawau Island, Waiheke, and Aotea.
Heavy Eaters: They consume 600–650 kg of fish and plankton daily, making them highly vulnerable to food shortages caused by climate change, fishing, or pollution.
The Danger of Ship Strikes: Because they rest and feed near the surface in one of Aotearoa's busiest waterways, ship strikes used to be a major threat.
A Success Story: Since ships voluntarily slowed down in 2013, collision deaths have essentially been eliminated, allowing the population to naturally expand.
New Threats: Recent marine heatwaves are altering the Gulf's ecosystem, which may be pushing the whales further out into less monitored waters.
Raising Awareness: A 2022 WWF art campaign helped shine a spotlight on the plight of these whales and the overall health of our oceans and our whale tail artwork at this checkpoint is one of the tails from the WWF art campaign.