A pod of orca visited a harbour on the Coromandel Peninsula for a couple of hours this afternoon, much to the delight of onlookers.
However, the Department of Conservation (DOC) were not as overjoyed, with the behaviour of boaties reported to it.
More than 100 people gathered at the Pauanui Wharf to catch a glimpse of the marine mammals' dorsal fins, sprays, and occasional surfacing around 2pm on Friday.
Photos sent to 1News show several small boats, jetskis, surfboards, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders, and swimmers within a metre or two of the orca.
DOC principal investigation officer Matt Davis said that at this time of year, with increased numbers of people enjoying our beaches and coastlines, it is highly likely that encounters with marine mammals such as seals and dolphins are going to increase.
"While it is exciting and interesting to come across these animals in the wild, there are rules around how you can safely interact with them.
"This is both for the safety and protection of the animals, which may have young with them, and also for the safety of members of the public."
Under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992, vessels should maintain a minimum distance of 50m from a marine mammal and manoeuvre out of its path.
Waikato Regional Council harbourmaster Chris Bredenbeck said that they received several calls from members of the public and Coastguard that a pod of orca was possibly being prevented from leaving the harbour by sightseers in various paddle and powered vessels.
"One of our maritime officers working in Tairua assisted in getting people to move their vessels safely away from the orca."
Davis said that the department has a range of enforcement options available to it, including education, advocacy, formal warnings, and infringement notices.
"If a person is charged with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a marine mammal they may face a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment or a fine to a maximum of $250,000."
Bailey and Carter Peterken told 1News that dogs were barking at the orcas when they came close to the beach.
"They were just jumping around," Bailey said.
Steve and Maureen Chang came down to the area for the weekend from Auckland and were alerted to the orca's presence by a friend.
"I've seen them cruising along the beach a couple of times, but never quite as close," Maureen said.
"It was almost like they were coming to say hello, to show off before they left."
Steve, a self-described nut for wildlife photography, brought his camera down to capture the "perfect moment".
"Towards the end just as they were going out, they turned around and decided to do a cameo for us."
The pod, consisting of one large orca and four smaller orca, made multiple attempts to leave the harbour towards the open ocean but turned back several times around the low tide time of 2.45pm.
Multiple stingrays were spotted by locals near the wharf, with the orca reportedly hunting some close to the shoreline.
Additional reporting by Kate Nicol-Williams
SHARE ME