A group of fishers had a "magical" encounter after a family of orca whales swam up to their boat.
Sam Aitkenhead was out fishing with friends near Kapiti Island off the west coast of the lower North Island when the group had what he described as a "magical experience".
At around 10:30am, the group had just pulled their anchor to move locations when a mum, dad and baby orca swam up to them.
Aitkenhead said the "friendly" family of orcas spent approximately 10 minutes frolicking near the boat and "hanging out" with the fishers before heading off.
"It was a very special experience," Aitkenhead said.
Watch the video above.
