Pod of orcas seen frolicking near shoreline in Waiheke Island

Several orcas delighted an onlooker in Waiheke Island when the pod swam close to the shoreline in the crystal-clear water.

Footage shared to Facebook shows the animals swimming next to the rocky coastline and briefly lifting their fins above the water.

The person who uploaded the video says he saw the pod of about five or six orcas in Enclosure Bay on the north coast of Waiheke Island. They then swam east toward Onetangi before heading into more open waters.

Commenters on Facebook were excited to see the orca.

"They are majestic beasts," one says.

"Wow. So amazing. Great footage. Excellent water clarity. Thanks for sharing," another says.

Pod of orcas seen frolicking near shoreline in Waiheke Island
Photo credit: Supplied / Facundo Vagamundos

In New Zealand, orca sightings aren't hugely common, but there are still a number each year.

In December last year, a pod was seen frolicking in the shallows of Pukehina Beach in the Bay of Plenty, entertaining holidaymakers.

Then in November, a trio of orcas charmed Wellingtonians when they swam around the harbour.