Scientists are investigating strange clumps of red and fluffy seaweed that caused a stink at a Coromandel beach this week.
Residents of Whangapoua reported the smelly seaweed to authorities after it invaded the holiday spot for the second time within a few months.
By this morning, much of the weed had dispersed, but in days before it had piled so thickly on the beach that it was knee-deep in places.
One resident said some had waded through the weed to find clear patches of surf to swim in, "but I wouldn't swim in it".
NIWA scientist and seaweed expert Wendy Nelson, who was analysing samples sent to her, said the weed was likely the native Spyridia filamentosa.
