KEY POINTS:
Fifteen pilot whales have died after beaching themselves near Farewell Spit.
Department of Conservation spokeswoman Trish Grant said six whales became stranded at Puponga at 7.30am morning, and only three survived.
She said another twelve became stuck at Farewell Spit and were not able to be re-floated.
Ms Grant said there were up to 20 whales still swimming in the area, and DoC had concerns they could also beach with low-tide about 5pm this evening.
"We've got some whales that could still be stranded," Ms Grant said.
She said that group was about 500 metres offshore swimming in shallow water, with an outgoing tide near Taupata Point.
Ms Grant said she was unsure why the whales had been attracted to the area.
She said they were in waters where they could move freely, but the tide was going out and they could become trapped at anytime.
DoC staff and volunteers would be watching the whales this afternoon and would be on hand if there were further strandings, she said.
- NEWSTALK ZB AND NZ HERALD STAFF
