Curious Orcas Pay Auckland Kayakers A Visit

Monday, October 20, 2008
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - Kayakers in Auckland have had a close encounter with a group of killers, but survived to tell the tale.

At least two pods of orcas, or killer whales, spent a couple of hours playing in Campbell's Bay, where they attracted boats of onlookers.

Up to 200 orcas live in New Zealand waters and travel long distances between locations.

The orca's diet varies in each population, with some preying exclusively on fish, while others eat only sea mammals such as seals and sea lions.

In New Zealand, orcas have even been spotted feeding on mako sharks and stingrays.

Orcas are most likely to be spotted in New Zealand waters in June and from October to December.

Source: 3 News NZ