A humpback whale breached near Waim\u0101rama in Hawke’s Bay. Photo \/ Warrick Frogley<\/p>\n
Frogley had seen lots of dolphins in the area but this was her first time seeing a whale near Waim\u0101rama.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t we just live in paradise? So grateful for our safe, beautiful, spectacular country,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Frogley said her boat kept its distance so it didn\u2019t crowd the animal.<\/p>\n
Department of Conservation (DoC) technical adviser Hannah Hendriks said it was a humpback, well-known for spectacular breaching.<\/p>\n
\u201cHumpback whales are frequent visitors to the coastal waters of New Zealand, where they undertake seasonal long-distance migrations – about 10,000km per year – between summer feeding grounds in high latitudes – Antarctica – and winter calving and breeding grounds in tropical or near tropical waters.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hendriks said whale sightings could be reported to DoC\u2019s conservation hotline on 0800 362 468 or via the marine mammal sighting form on DoC\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
\u201cReports of sightings are always valuable, and help increase our knowledge of whale distribution and movements around New Zealand.\u201d<\/p>\n
DoC\u2019s website recommends boats stay at least 50m away from any whale and at least 200m away from any baleen or sperm whale mother and calf. It also recommends not swimming with whales.<\/p>\n