An Auckland photographer has captured stunning drone footage of orcas swimming in Army Bay, off Whangaparaoa.
A kayaker can be seen floating up close to the whales in the video, shot on Monday evening. The man then jumps in the water and swims alongside them.
Photographer Sam Kynman-Cole says he was aware of the orcas from Red Beach earlier in the day after seeing a Facebook post.
He tracked them along the bay, seeing them first from the coast before sending the drone out at Army Bay.
He says it was the closest he's ever seen the mammals.
"It was a really special situation," he says.
Last month, a Dunedin surfer ran into trouble with the Department of Conservation for approaching two southern right whales resting off a local beach.
Guidelines advise the public to stay at least 50 metres away from whales.
Footage of the orcas was provided by Topview Photography.
Newshub.
