2 pygmy blue whales spotted feeding near Poor Knights Islands

One drifted close to the boat’s starboard side.

Robert estimated it measured about 20m, larger than Calypso.

She felt a rush of adrenaline as the whale drew closer.

“I had goosebumps and I felt like I had electricity like run through my body. It was a very physical response as well personally.

“Some people had tears in their eyes as well. I mean I definitely had tears in my eyes,” she said.

Two pygmy blue whales treated onlookers to a show on Saturday out near the Tutukākā coast. Photo / Carole Robert

“I remember maybe three years ago we did see a blue whale that was feeding as well, but it was nothing like this, like not two of them right next to each other.”

She described it as a “very special” experience.

“I mean it’s almost scary because it’s so big and you see it just drifting on it’s side towards the boat, and it’s a bit like ‘Woah, you are very big compared to the boat’.”

Both whales drew close to the other Dive! Tutukākā vessel, the 15m Diversity, a few metres away.

Everyone was mind-blown, Robert said.

“I do this job for that reason. Like I kind of live for moments like this, you know, it’s very rare and it’s very unique, but when it happens it’s in your head for the rest of your life.”

The two whales were believed to be pygmy blue whales, which can grow to 24m. Photo / Carole RobertThose on board were alerted to the creatures’ presence while heading back after a day on the water. Photo / Carole Robert

Those on board Calypso included tourists and people learning to dive.

“I remember there was that lady saying she just wanted to learn to dive so she could see things like this and she got this on her first day out in the ocean, so that was very lucky.”

A Department of Conservation spokesperson believed the mammals were pygmy blue whales, a subspecies of blue whale.

Despite their name, they could grow to around 24m.

“They are known to occur in New Zealand waters and feed primarily on krill.”

Those on board two Dive! Tutukaka vessels got up close and personal with two pygmy blue whales on Saturday. Photo / Carole Robert

The spokesperson said seeing whales feeding at the surface could be “spectacular”.

“This is natural behaviour, and whales may spend time in areas where food is plentiful. Multiple whales may also be seen feeding in the same area when conditions are favourable.”

The spokesperson said Northland’s waters supported a diverse range of marine mammals.

“Over spring and summer, people may be lucky enough to spot dolphins, orca and other whale species.”

Those included Bryde’s whales year-round, while humpback whales passed through during seasonal migrations.

“We encourage people to enjoy these encounters responsibly and give marine mammals plenty of space.”

Anyone who encounters whales on the water should:

Stay at least 50m away from whales, or 200m if a calf is presentTravel at a slow, safe speed and avoid sudden changes in directionApproach whales from the side and slightly behind, rather than directly in front of or behind themNever chase, obstruct or cut across the path of a whaleAllow the animals to behave naturally without disturbance

“Over 40 species of marine mammals (whales, dolphins and seals) have been recorded around Northland – expect to see something if you’re lucky and patient,” the spokesperson said.

Brodie Stone covers crime and emergency for the Northern Advocate. She has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.