A pod of 10 orcas has been spotted frolicking near Matakana Island.
Mark Tucker from Orca Wild Adventures was tipped off by Dolphin Seafaris yesterday morning to the news that the awaited pod had arrived on Tauranga shores.
Tucker said the "healthy pod" filled with mature males and females and strong calves chose Pilot Bay as their hunting ground, creating a visual treat for many.
The pod had been spotted in Whitianga on Sunday and, as orcas navigate the North Island clockwise, orca lovers knew Tauranga would be their next stopover.