Spooky tunnels and historic weapons keep young and old entertained at Auckland's North Head, writes Jim Eagles.

Poor conditions may prevent the rescue of a second whale entangled in rope today.

DOC staff are investigating reports of another 12-15 metre humpback whale caught in rope and plastic in the Far North.

A large humpback whale which was tangled in rope off the Far North coast has been freed this afternoon.

DOC staff will attempt to remove ropes around a whale in Doubtless Bay - if they can find it.

DoC was forced to end the misery of seven whales that re-beached themselves at Rarawa Bay.

More than half of the 24 whales being refloated in the Far North this evening have made it into the water, but three have died.

Volunteers last night comforted stranded whales that had been moved from a Far North beach to a nearby stream.

The killing of 14 endangered weka by a dog on Kawau Island has prompted the Department of Conservation to introduce DNA testing.

Scientists will use DNA profiling for the first time to count the critically endangered Maui dolphins.

Just nine of the 63 whales found stranded on a Northland beach on Friday have survived.

Eleven pilot whales have been successfully transported and refloated at Matai Bay after a mass stranding on Karikari Beach near Kaitaia yesterday.

The number of whales to have perished on Karikari beach has now reached 44 - but rescuers are trying to save 14 survivors.