The scene at Farewell Spit early this morning. Photo: Facebook / Project Jonah
Multiple pilot whales remain stranded near Farewell Spit at the top of the South Island.
The Department of Conservation said the pod of 11 that stranded early on Monday morning near Taupata Point swam briefly, but have since re-stranded in the same area.
DOC said a separate group of 30 whales that initially came ashore near Pakawau Inlet on Saturday evening were now swimming in shallow waters, and a single whale stranded at Patons Rock has swum away.
Helpers at the scene today. Photo: Facebook / Project Jonah
A DOC manager, Andrew Lamason, said staff across the region have put in a huge effort alongside Project Jonah volunteers.
They will be caring for the whales until later this evening.
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