Whale encounter in Dunedin waters

It was the right day to go for a wildlife cruise in Dunedin today, with passengers on both the Monarch and Vivienne J enjoying a rare encounter with a southern right whale in Otago Harbour.

The mammals are infrequently seen in Dunedin waters as they usually pass by the coast on their way to Kaikoura.

However, Vivienne J skipper John McLachlan said he had seen the animal on his first cruise this morning, and it appeared to have been in the outer harbour for most of the day.

Passengers on the Monarch also had a close encounter with the whale, shooting some close-up footage of the animal.