Dolphins ham it up for kids

This wonderful photo of dolphins playing near McLeod Bay on Whangarei Harbour was taken by Marianne Robson.

A pod of dolphins in Whangarei Harbour put on an impressive display of aerial manoeuvres, some of which were captured by a keen photographer.

Marianne Robson, who lives 20 metres from the water's edge at McLeod Bay, said she noticed the pod about 10am on Sunday.

The tide was out so Mrs Robson grabbed her camera gear and had to run along the shore in pursuit of the frolicking dolphins.

"I was following them along the shore when they decided to turn around and come back. They were having a great time jumping out of the water about 40 metres offshore," she said.

The pod returned to the bay in the afternoon and while there were a number of boats in the area, the pod chose to follow a inflatable boat with children on board.

"I was watching them through the binoculars and they were following the kids for some reason."

Dolphin and Orca expert Ingrid Visser said dolphins ventured into the Whangarei Harbour at this time of year to feed on school fish. She said they did not feed on stingrays or seals.

There were also reports of dolphins near the Town Basin last Friday.