Massive Great White Shark Follows Boat Off Bluff as 5.8m ‘Big Gal’ Returns to New Zealand Waters

A huge great white shark seen following a boat off Bluff has put fresh attention on New Zealand’s southern shark waters, where some of the ocean’s oldest and largest predators return each year.

The striking encounter happened near the northern Titi Islands in Foveaux Strait, an area known for seasonal great white activity. The shark was photographed behind a Shark Experience vessel, creating a powerful image of just how close these animals can come during regulated cage-diving trips.

But the shark in the photograph was not the biggest seen by the Bluff-based operator this season. That honour went to a female great white known as “Big Gal”, estimated at about 5.8 metres long.

Shark Experience’s Nikki Ladd described Big Gal as an “exceptional” shark and said she is believed to be more than 60 years old. Her size is so remarkable that it has been compared with the 7.6-metre mechanical shark used in the original Jaws movie.

Bluff’s Great White Shark Hotspot

Bluff remains a rare location for shark tourism. Shark Experience is the only New Zealand operator offering cage-diving encounters with great white sharks, placing the region alongside global shark destinations such as South Africa, South Australia and California.

While some international shark sites have seen changes in sightings linked to shifting sea temperatures, the waters around Foveaux Strait continue to attract strong seasonal activity. The Department of Conservation says great white sharks are nationally protected in New Zealand waters.

More than 200 individual great white sharks have been identified returning to the wider area, drawn by New Zealand fur seals around the islands. That reliable food source helps explain why Bluff remains one of the most consistent places to observe great whites in their natural environment.

According to Shark Experience, the latest season delivered a sighting rate of around 96%. Most sharks usually leave the area by July, but the company has already confirmed that its next season will open on November 15.

The business has also seen changes in the type of people booking trips. Before the pandemic, about 95% of its customers came from overseas. More recently, more New Zealanders have joined the experience, with women making up a growing share of both passengers and staff.

Ladd said many team members first came aboard as customers before becoming hooked on shark conservation and the experience of seeing great whites up close.

The season has not been without pressure. Operators said demand was affected by higher travel costs linked to the fuel crisis connected with the war in Iran, but the appeal of Bluff’s shark encounters has remained strong.

For tourists, photographers and marine wildlife followers, the draw is clear: few places offer such regular sightings of mature great whites, including sharks as large and old as Big Gal.

There is also a lighter side to the cold-water adventure. Before entering the cage, guests are encouraged to dance in their thick 7mm wetsuits to warm up. The favourite song, according to Ladd, is Staying Alive.

As Bluff prepares for another season later this year, the latest shark sighting has underlined why New Zealand’s southern coast continues to stand out as one of the world’s most memorable great white shark destinations.

For more wildlife and environment coverage, read Swikblog’s report on why Australians are seeing more sharks as warming oceans shift marine behaviour.

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