A 10 metre-long humpback whale has washed up dead on Waikanae Beach.
Department of Conservation spokeswoman Jane Dobson said they received reports of the stranding, south of Waikanae Boat Club, about 6.30am yesterday. "It's been confirmed that it's a humpback whale, approximately 10 metres long and estimated to be about 25 to 30 tonne.
"Senior ranger Brent Tandy has said that its smaller size suggests it's not fully mature."
Ms Dobson said it was unknown how the whale had died, but it appeared to have been dead for some time. "It's a little bit smelly and it's not in the nicest condition."
Although there had been no other recent sightings of humpback in the area, it was common for them to be migrating back along the West Coast, Ms Dobson said.NZME.