SunLive – Frolicking orca makes the Tauranga family happy

A Tauranga family has been treated to a rare sight after spotting killer whales playing in the shallow waters of Omanu Beach.

Barbara Young was with her family when they saw the orca Sunday afternoon.

Photos sent to SunLive show the orca swimming in the breaking waves near the Tauranga Beach shoreline.

Barbara says she has lived on the mountain for 18 years and has heard many stories of orca sightings, but has never seen one herself.

She says it was “so incredibly exciting, but also a bit nerve-wracking to see the whales approaching the surfer.”

Barbara says the surfer seemed unaware of how close they were to the orca.

She says one of the photos shows him “paddling to shore as fast as he can.”

Orcas typically enter the harbor to feed, especially on stingrays.

Although killer whales are impressive animals, the Department of Conservation has some important advice on how people should interact with them if they come into contact.

Ships are not allowed to be within 50 meters of an orca. No more than three vessels may be within 300 meters of any marine mammal.

Your vessel should approach orcas from behind and to the side, do not circle them, block their path or cut through groups.

Operate your boat slowly and quietly, without wake speed, when you are within 1,000 feet of an orca. Avoid sudden noises that could startle the animals.

Sightings of killer whales can be reported to the DOC by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or by completing an online form. Sightings are always important and help increase the DOC’s knowledge of the distribution and movements of cetaceans in New Zealand.