More than 120 pilot whales have beached themselves near Farewell Spit at the top of the South Island.
The Department of Conservation says the whales are spread over about a kilometre at Puponga Beach. They became stranded when the tide went out about 1pm on Tuesday.
DOC Golden Bay manager John Mason says about 100 volunteers were trying to keep the whales comfortable with wet sheets, but hey were not able to stay with the whales overnight because it was too dangerous.
Mason hopes at least some of the whales will be able to refloat themselves at the next high tide.
However, he says it is likely not all the whales will refloat themselves and volunteers will be allowed back on the beach at dawn if necessary.
Pilot whales have stranded at the beach in the past.
