2 Jul 2009

Rare whale and calf spotted in Hauraki Gulf

2:54 pm on 2 July 2009

A rare Southern Right Whale and its calf have been spotted in the Hauraki Gulf.

The Department of Conservation says they were seen between Rangitoto and North Head on Wednesday.

The Coastguard has been notified.

DoC says rangers are trying to get DNA samples for identification and are looking for sightings of the whales. It says people should not get closer than 50 metres to them.