Orca off Akaroa Harbour Heads

Orca off Akaroa Harbour Heads

8 December 2008

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A pod of eight Orca whales have been sighted off the Akaroa Harbour Heads near banks Peninsula this afternoon (Mon 8 Dec) by a Black Cat Cruises Dolphin Swimming excursion.

A large Orca whale came to the surface right beside the Black Cat Cruises boat (see photo attached - high res versions available) giving those on board a fantastic rare opportunity to see the mammals up close and personal.

"It is very rare to get this close to Orca Whales in Akaroa," Managing Director Paul Bingham said.

"We have to keep our distance but several of the Orica's appeared to want to have a closer look at our boat."

The Orca Whales migrant up and down the coast and it is not unusual to see them at this time of year.

Dolphin Swimmers had finished their swim within Akaroa Harbour and the boats were returning to Akaroa when the pod was sighted at the heads of Akaroa Harbour.

ENDS

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