Mass whale stranding on Farewell Spit

More than 50 pilot whales have stranded on Farewell Spit, Golden Bay.

Volunteers working to rescue them have stood down for the night.

Project Jonah New Zealand said it was notified of a pod of whales swimming in the shallows and heading towards Farewell Spit early Thursday afternoon.

"Our local medics responded alongside Department of Conservation staff and boat and Manawhenua Ki Mohua but despite best efforts, 53 pilot whales have stranded across two sites on Farewell Spit," a Facebook post said.

It said the crew worked to keep the whales cool throughout the afternoon and uprighted those it could.

They had stood down by 10pm.

"We will be back at first light alongside Department of Conservation to search the beach for any whales."

Earlier, volunteers were sought to help the whales into the evening.

"We welcome help at Farewell Spit this evening keeping the whales cool until sunset," Project Jonah said. "Wetsuits are recommended as it is windy and exposed. If coming to help please bring your own supplies as it is an isolated location."

The Department of Conservation said Farewell Spit, where whales frequently strand at the top of the South Island, "is a naturally occurring "whale trap" that occurs along a migratory route for long-finned pilot whales in New Zealand".

"The spit hooks around the northern entrance into Golden Bay forming extensive intertidal sand flats flanked by gently shelving waters offshore. Whales may be easily deceived and caught out by the gently sloping tidal flats and a rapidly falling tide.

"Pilot whales have strong social bonds and if one whale heads into shallow water, the rest of the pod will follow due to their natural instinct to look after one another."

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