Coromandel beachgoers were left stunned after three “cheeky” orcas glided into the harbour during an annual festival.
Footage posted on social media showed the pod visiting Whangamatā Beach on Sunday afternoon, circling near a pontoon and swimming along the shore to the delight of onlookers.
“Even the orcas know where the action is!” the clip’s caption read, adding the “real boss” of the harbour had arrived.
Whangamatā Ocean Sports Club general manager Bec Murray said the “playful beasts of the sea” had been spotted stingray herding and headed for the beach after a “feeding frenzy”.
“They definitely put on a show for us and it was pretty stunning to witness,” she said.
“They were so close to the shore and swam under the wharf.
“They even stopped and paused, like they were just as interested in us as we were of them... It was very spectacular.”
The orcas’ visit coincided with the tail-end of the annual Beach Hop Festival, which draws 175,000 people to the region for “four days of muscle cars, hot rods, classics and live music”, Murray said.
Facebook users expressed their shock at the rare, close-up encounter.
“So jealous, I want to swim with them,” one wrote.
“In Australia, you have to pay and wait in line for that after driving 5000km to see it,” another said.
“This is why SeaWorld never needed to exist,” a third said.
Several commenters noted orcas are apex predators and could potentially launch themselves on to the beach.
Murray said she did not observe anyone who felt in danger.
“People got out of the water and respectfully watched them,” she said.
“There were giggles, laughter, squeals from kids, everyone was just in awe.
“Some of our older locals who have been here for many years said it’s pretty rare to see these big beauties come in so close.”
Murray said the Whangamatā Ocean Sports Club, which hosts fishing tournaments, events and live music overlooking the harbour, was used to a “million-dollar” view, but this one was special.
She said it was an honour to witness the orcas so close, describing the encounter as “pretty surreal” and a chance to see how graceful they are.