Local residents marvelled at an unprecedented sight in Napier’s Ahuriri Estuary today as several orca were caught in the shallow waters of Pandora Pond.

Whale Watch Hawke’s Bay – a Facebook page documenting encounters with marine animals in the region – said it was made aware of an orca pod that had found its way into the estuary early this morning.

With high tide not expected until 2pm, there were fears any disturbances in the confined area could cause the orcas to beach, prompting reminders of marine protection laws that restrict human interactions with the animals.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) told the Herald its staff had been monitoring the situation alongside local iwi and environmental group Project Jonah.

“We are happy to report that the orca have now swum under the bridge on the incoming tide and moved out to sea,” the department said.

“We would like to thank the public for being respectful and listening to the staff onsite.”

The orca were able to make their way out of the estuary by late morning. Photo / Aleisha Baty

Orca Research Trust, a non-profit founded by prominent marine biologist Dr Ingrid Visser, said it had received a number of enquiries about the orca sightings.

“This zone is comprised of a complex series of shallow channels and sand banks,“ Visser said.

“It lies between two sets of bridges and the orca have already passed under one bridge.”

With orca commonly spotted in and around New Zealand waters, Visser urged people to pay notice to what are considered offences under the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992.

She said it was imperative that people remember the law – that they can’t swim with the orca, nor approach them closer than 50m.

Visser confirmed the orca were previously known to them and regularly entered estuarine waters.

“This is the first time they have been documented in Pandora Pond and that is exciting, but also concerning,” she said.

“They must be given space and no pressure so that they can safely exit the area when they are ready to do so.”

Pandora Pond is a popular swimming spot in the Ahuriri Estuary, west of central Napier, although it’s often closed due to water contamination.

In April, a herd of cows were spotted paddling in its shallow waters by a local while he was running the tracks around Ahuriri.

“I’ve never seen it before. It was low tide and they were only about half a KM upstream in the estuary,” David, who didn’t share his surname, said.

“Animals are not supposed to be in the water. I was a bit shocked, especially at how many there were.”

The herd were identified as belonging to Pāmu Landcorp Farming, which said the cows had made their way into the estuary by breaking the gate in a neighbouring paddock.

Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.