A couple of orca whale pods popped into Lyttleton Harbour near Christchurch, surprising locals and passengers aboard a Black Cat cruise on Friday morning.
According to cruise skipper Dan Facer, orcas don't usually travel into the harbour.
"Orca rarely travel into Lyttelton Harbour so today's sighting was very unusual," he said.
"The mother and calf were likely going to feed near Quail Island as the surrounding waters are a common breeding ground for large fish."
Pictures show the pods swimming up close to the cruise boat.
"The second pod sighted in Purau Bay was very active and inquisitive. It was a large pod with orca of all ages and sizes," Mr Facer said.
"They put on an awesome display of tail slapping and breaching at the back of the boat.
"It was the best sighting we've ever had on our Diamond Harbour Ferry."
Orcas, commonly known as killer whales, are protected in New Zealand waters which are home around 200 of the animals.
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