More than 30 whales are stranded on Farewell Spit in the South Island tonight.

Department of Conversation (DoC) Takaka Operations Manager Dave Winterburn said they received reports of a potential mass stranding at 6pm on Thursday.

“It has been reported that potentially more than 30 whales, likely to be pilot whales, have stranded.”

In a Facebook post, Project Jonah said they had received reports of the “potential mass stranding”.

The organisation said they are working with DOC which had dispatched rangers to confirm the signings.

“We will advise local medics directly as the situation unfolds and our response plan develops.”

Winterburn said rangers had been sent out to investigate but due to the remote location, they would not arrive until later this evening.

Until DOC had staff on-site, they were unable able to confirm any details.

Last February close to 50 long-finned pilot whales were stranded at the same location, unfortunately, 49 whales died.

In in February 2017an estimated 600-700 whales were beached in the same location. About 250 died while the rest were refloated.

Farewell Spit is located at the northern end of the Golden Bay in the South Island.

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