Close encounter with whale at Mount + video

A whale can be seen at Mount. Photo/Phill Dromgool

Onlookers got the chance to watch a whale enjoying Mount waters early this afternoon.

Phill Dromgool called the Bay of Plenty Times from his kayak where he was just metres away from a whale.

Yesterday, a southern right whale was spotted about 20 metres off Papamoa Beach near Motiti Island.

A caller to the Bay of Plenty Times estimated the whale was up to nine metres long.

Department of Conservation ranger Pete Huggins said they have been monitoring reports of the animal since late last week and that it had travelled from colder waters in the south.