Two Hector's dolphins were spotted in Firth of Thames this week, just the third time in 60 years the species has been spotted in the region.
Department of Conservation (DOC) marine species technical advisor Kristina Hillock said the pair were spotted by a member of the public near Te Kouma's Sugarloaf Wharf on Thursday.
Hillock said the two dolphins may be the same animals seen off East Cape a week ago.
"We occasionally get reports of Hector's dolphins on the east coast of the North Island, such as around Hawke's Bay and the eastern side of Coromandel Peninsula — but their usual habitat is around the South Island," she explained in a statement.
"That makes the sighting of this pair particularly important to us: If we can relocate the dolphins, we'll try to get a small skin sample from them for scientific purposes."
In the statement, DOC said the skin sample would provide genetic information to determine which subspecies the animals came from.
Anyone who spots a Hector's dolphin is asked to report it by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
"If you do spot the dolphins please maintain a respectful distance," said Hillock, "but do record the date, time, GPS coordinates (if available), the time spent near the dolphins, the direction the animals are moving, and descriptions of the location and activity of the dolphins."
DOC said videos and photos can also be beneficial for marine scientists to look for identifying marks.
A small group of Hector's dolphins were previously spotted in Doubtless Bay in Northland in September and October of 2022, as well as off the coast of Coromandel's Hot Water Beach in 2020.
DOC said the species is recognisable "through their distinctive rounded dorsal fin, shaped like Mickey Mouse's ear. They are grey and white with black markings".
The species is classed as "nationally vulnerable" with an estimated population of 15,700.
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