GB Weekly x Woven

24th October 2025
Jo Bloggs

Beachgoers at Pōhara Beach were treated to an unforgettable surprise on Tuesday afternoon, when a pod of orca cruised close to shore, delighting onlookers and sparking excitement across Golden Bay.

The group of around six orca, including what appeared to be a calf, was first spotted just after 3pm near the boat ramp, moving slowly east toward Ligar Bay. Locals and visitors gathered along the sand to watch as the pod glided through the shallows, their tall dorsal fins cutting through the calm spring water.

“It was absolutely magic,” said Pōhara resident Sophie Cripps, who was walking her dog when she noticed the fins. “You could hear people cheering and calling out up and down the beach. The baby was right alongside the adults — it was such a special moment.”

According to Department of Conservation (DOC) marine ranger Tama Henare, orca sightings are not unusual in Golden Bay at this time of year, but they always cause a stir. “They travel the coastline following stingrays and other prey, and Pōhara’s shallow waters make it easy for people to see them up close. It’s a reminder of how alive our coastline is.”

The pod lingered near the Pōhara sandspit for nearly half an hour before heading out toward Tata Islands, giving locals plenty of time to snap photos and videos. DOC has asked anyone with footage to share it through their marine mammal sighting form to assist with identification and tracking.

For Pōhara Beach Café owner Liam Faulkner, the visit brought a welcome midweek buzz. “One minute we were serving flat whites, the next everyone was running outside with their phones. You can’t plan for moments like that — they just make your day.”

With the summer season fast approaching, locals say the sighting is a good omen. “It’s like the orca were saying ‘see you soon,’” laughed Cripps. “Golden Bay always feels special, but days like this remind you why you live here.”

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