A male sperm whale has delighted onlookers after making an appearance in a Waikato harbour this afternoon.
The Department of Conservation and the harbourmaster were concerned the whale might drift onto the shore of the nearby Wainamu Beach, but it has since left the harbour and is presently heading further out to sea.
Raglan Kayak and Paddleboard owner Stephen Reid told Fairfax he raced down to the water with his paddleboard after hearing the news.
"It was pretty emotional. I had an internal cry," he said.
"It looked like it was just drifting, it never dived down, but would pop its head up now and then and blow its spout," Mr Reid said.
Marine life charity group Project Jonah posted to Facebook today: "The whale is a mature sperm whale and is looking very lethargic."
SHARE ME