Stranded whales

123 pilot whales became stranded on puponga beach in Golden bay. My friends Kiley and Rachel went to help rescue the whales, which Kiley says was a surreal experience. FACTS ABOUT PILOT WHALES: Pilot whales are the most common species of whale seen in New Zealand waters. They are between 4-6m in length and move in large pods. Pilots are the most common type of whale stranded in New Zealand. The last stranding at Farewell Spit in Golden Bay was in 1998. Golden Bay is a common place for stranding. More whales have been stranded off the Chatham Islands than anywhere else in New Zealand. In the past there have been up to 400 pilot whales stranded at one time in the Chatham Islands