Hundreds of whales wash up dead on New Zealand beach

It was one of the largest mass beachings recorded in New Zealand, where strandings are relatively common, Department of Conservation said.

Update: 2017-02-10 05:36 GMT

More than 400 whales were stranded on a New Zealand beach Friday, with most of them dying quickly as frustrated volunteers desperately raced to save the survivors. (Photo: AP)

The volunteers at the beach were also advised to be wary of the thrashing tails and fins of the distressed whales, which can weigh up to two tonnes. (Photo: AP)

About 70 percent had perished by the time wildlife officers reached the remote location and about 500 volunteers pitched in to get the remaining whales offshore. (Photo: Instagram)

Andrew Lamason, the department's regional manager, said 416 pilot whales swam ashore at Farewell Spit in the Golden Bay region, on the northern tip of South Island. (Photo: Instagram)

It was one of the largest mass beachings recorded in New Zealand, where strandings are relatively common. (Photo: AFP)

It was one of the largest mass beachings recorded in New Zealand, where strandings are relatively common, Department of Conservation said.

Hundreds of whales wash up dead on New Zealand beach

It was one of the largest mass beachings recorded in New Zealand, where strandings are relatively common, Department of Conservation said.

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