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The icebergs drifting up the east coast of the South Island are
just north of Banks Peninsula, and despite melting they are still a
spectacular sight.
The biggest of the bunch, which were reported by a fishing vessel
at 11pm on Thursday, still covers the area of a football field.
Given the size of the icebergs it is not surprising they are
still intact.
What is surprising according to NIWA, is that they are so close to
the Canterbury coast. It was expected tides would take them
out to nearer the Chathams.
Travelling at around one kilometre an hour, the flotilla of five icebergs is roughly 75 km from Christchurch.
They were first spotted off the southern coast six weeks ago, with their rare appearance prompting huge public interest and a general sense of awe by those who saw them.
Friday's sighting was no different.
"It's definitely the experience of a lifetime. I never imagined I'd ever see an iceberg off the coastline of Canterbury - it's quite amazing," an iceberg watcher said.
For those who have seen them up close, the experience will be savoured for a life time, which is perhaps how long it will be before we see them this close again.
