“There’s nothing like an orca in your face to get the heart pumping!” she said. “Regardless, we do strongly discourage people from reaching out or attempting to touch wild animals like orca,” he said. Diver Jordy Bardin had an "insane interaction" with this orca which swam up to her boat off the Mercury Islands. Under New Zealand law, it is illegal to touch or intentionally disturb orca or any other marine mammal. “Keep marine mammals and their young safe by following the right rules for the environment and species,” van Helden said.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 09, 2026 11:24 UTC