The Power of Wharariki

The Power of Wharariki

After a very quick visit last year, I vowed to return to the Archway Islands at Wharariki Beach, on upper West Coast of the South Island. It was of course made ‘famous’ as the Windows 10 screen saver. It has an intriguing ruggedness, and is a landscaper photographer’s magic spot. So this year I took a couple days extra out from camping in Kaiteriteri, and headed up. Im so glad I did, and in the coming weeks I will add a series of photos online in my Fine Art gallery. A few teasers are here in the meantime.

Yet little did I expect, then when wrapping and heading back, there was a stranding of Pilot Whales, at Pakawau in Golden Bay to the base of Farewell Spit. About 30 whales had came ashore the night prior. When I passed mid morning, DoC, Project Jonah and local iwi were well involved trying to keep the whales hydrated.

I had never witnessed such an event, though knew this area has always been fraught with stranding. No-one really knows why. Though the shallow draught of Golden Bay, with its fast moving tide is generally thought to catch whales out, as they underestimate its depth. Scientists also think its sandy base is not being overly receptive to whale sonar, making it a double trap. In this case, Project Jonah staff were quite perplexed why the whales seemed confused when refloated, and somewhat reticent to head back out to sea. In this particular case they thought a sick matriarch whale may separated itself, perhaps even coming ashore to die. The rest would seem to have followed, and would also explain why they wanted to stay close.

Pilot whale standing, Golden Bay Jan 2025

I offered to assist where I could, be it dousing whales with water (to avoid sunburn, and maintain hydration). Or if needed I could take photos, should that be beneficial in any way. It turn out that indeed was, with the Cetacean Ecology Research Group (CERG) keen to have a database of the dorsal fins of the whales beached. This would assist them identify and record individuals – many having unique nicks and markings.

Long story short, these whales beached three times and were refloated each time, before finally returning safely out to sea. There was actually a second pod of eleven beach a day later, plus a lone whale beach separate to both groups. In total there three different stranding groups, each requiring multiple attempts to refloat, over five long days at different parts of the Bay. The massive input from all involved saved the bulk of these beautiful creatures. In part aided by a abundance of holiday makers, with relatively easy access. (I suspect if in winter, if further out on the outer Spit itself, the outcome of any stranding may not always be as successful).

A big thank you must to the volunteers who gave up holiday time, as well as the timely response of DoC, iwi and Project Jonah who swung into gear.

You can read more about the good work of Project Jonah here:

https://www.projectjonah.org.nz/