Whale watchers off the Kaikoura Coast were treated to a stunning display as a juvenile humpback whale breached repeatedly alongside their craft.
Images have been posted online of the barnacle-encrusted 10m mammal capturing the awe-inspiring moments it rears its giant body skyward out of the sea before crashing back under the water.
![Photo / Tehlia Richardson](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DTLVUCASANMXGJ3DREMZFHHO2M.jpg?auth=b1289954a401b86510a5f554b9cae2d49852bd125de082c292a4ab96d36f3e29&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
![Photo / Tehlia Richardson](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/4NO66ZLHCFE5SPFGVZST5V767Y.jpg?auth=d647087681e3177e0f2ebfe6f0ab555435e818518695f3be8a05f954a77ba331&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
In one shot the juvenile humpback is shown seemingly standing upright with half its body out of the water, both long fins in a streamlined position.