A pod of orcas, more commonly known as killer whales, came close to swimmers at Auckland’s Kohimarama Beach on Sunday, August 28.

Witness Nick Poortman filmed the event and said the orcas came within 10 metres (30 feet) of the shore as beachgoers gathered to watch.

Poortman said the pod included an adult and either one or two calves, and described the adult as huge. Credit: Nick Poortman