This is the place

Opononi is a beautiful coastal village sitting on the edge of the Hokianga Harbour. This small town received international attention when a local dolphin befriended the locals, and would follow fishing boats and play with children in the shallow water.

The Hokianga Historical Society has captured some lovely first-hand memories of Opo the dolphin, from her summer in the harbour in 1955-1956.

Piwai Oti, a farmer and prominent member of the South Hokianga community, recalls:
“…she was really and truly a children’s playmate. Although she played with grown-ups she was at her charming best with a crowd of children swimming and wading. I have seen her swimming among children and begging to be petted.

“If I had not seen it for myself I would never have believed it. I have heard of traffic jams and crowded beaches but to see them in Opononi was a wonderful experience. This did not happen once or twice but every Saturday and Sunday.”