Two surfers were treated to a friendly encounter with a pod of orca off Arataki beach on Sunday morning.

Civil construction worker Andy Morris and his brother-in-law Josh Ormsby decided to go for an early morning surf.

“I got in the water around 7am with Josh; we were going to have a muck around in the surf with our boards," Morris said.

“He first saw a big orca with a massive fin and a baby with it.”

Morris said the duo decided to get out of the water swiftly, mindful of the importance of staying clear of marine animals like whales and orcas.

“We went back in after they’d passed, and then another couple of orca were out there,” Morris said.

“That got the adrenaline going because their fins seemed smaller, and we didn’t know if they might be sharks.

 “So we surfed in. A lady on the beach reckoned that they were orca and surfing in alongside us.”

He said once they got into shore, the two orcas surfing with them had taken off.

“And then, surprisingly another two orca came in. We were still in the water, and two of them came up pretty close. Then they turned around and took off on their merry way.

“I stayed out of the water after that, but Josh went back in for a dip.”

Morris said he’s encountered orcas once before at Ohope.

“But they were a bit further out.”

He said the pod of orcas was heading towards Mount Maunganui.

“Quite a few people came out with their cameras to get a few shots.”

He is still marvelling at the morning’s encounter.

“I couldn’t believe it, it was crazy.”

Orcas, also known as killer whales, typically come into Tauranga harbour to feed, particularly on stingrays.

Interacting with orcas

Department of Conservation has some important advice regarding how people should interact with orcas if they come into contact.

Vessels should not be within 50m of an orca. No more than three vessels should be within 300m of any marine mammal.

Your vessel should approach orcas from behind and to the side, do not circle them, obstruct their path or cut through any group.

Operate your boat slowly and quietly at 'no wake' speed when within 300m of an orca and you should avoid sudden noises that could startle the animals.

Sightings of orca can be reported to the DOC by calling 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), or by filling out an online form. Sightings are always of interest and help increase the DOC's knowledge of cetacean distribution and movements around New Zealand.