A sperm whale has beached itself in Timaru, much to the amazement of locals.
Efforts are ramping at Caroline Bay up to help the 12-metre giant swim out with the outgoing tide.
Project Jonah general manager Daren Grover told Newshub 150 people have gathered to see the spectacle.
"This is potentially a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see such an incredible animal. Whales are the biggest animals that have ever lived, and something like this for some people is the stuff of dreams. Some people, it might be the stuff of nightmares."
Grover says sperm whales are rarely seen in shallow waters, and it may indicate it's sick.
A Department of Conservation spokesperson told Stuff they weren't sure yet.
"It's still in water, but may have run aground. We can't confirm what condition it's in yet."
