Three sperm whales that died after stranding on Rototai Beach are being moved to their final resting place.

Over 500 people flocked to the South Island beach yesterday to see the whales.

They're in the process of being towed to Farewell Spit Nature Reserve, where they'll be able to decompose naturally.

DoC's Greg Napp says whale standings are common at this time of year, with most occurring between November and March.