Crowds have flocked to Rangiputa Beach, on the Karikari Peninsula, today as a beloved green turtle dubbed "Nebs" was released into the Pacific Ocean after three years of rehab.
Nebs had been recovering after being rescued from the ocean after ingesting sea plastics.
K4 Cultured Food company organised the release back into the Pacific, and used the opportunity to promote being a single use plastic free operation.
The Far North beach was packed with school kids, families, life guards and handfuls of photographers.
"A special moment. This is Nebs, for three years she's been rehabilitating and today she's going home, what a special moment eh," K4's Kaye said as she filmed Nebs first strokes off the shore.
"There she goes, oh fantastic, oh she is away, oh how fantastic."
Nebs had been cared for by turtle expert Dr Dan Godoy, Bigfish, and Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's in Auckland.
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