Department of Conservation staff are to make a fresh attempt to re-float eight pilot whales still alive after a stranding at Farewell Spit.
Thirteen whales stranded on the beach on Tuesday morning but five have since died – including three during the night.
On Tuesday night, the high tide had just re-floated the pilot whales before 50 volunteers and Department of Conservation staff had to leave them when fading light made the operation too risky for volunteers.
