The seven whales that survived a grounding at the Matarangi Spit have been shepherded out of the Matarangi Harbour by boats across the bar and out to sea.
A spokesperson from the Department of Conservation said the whales "were seen swimming strongly and being active and it's hoped they will remain at sea."
DOC staff are burying the four dead whales above the high tide mark at Matarangi together with local iwi who have worked closely with DOC staff in managing the stranding and refloat.
"We're asking people in the area to keep an eye out for the refloated whales possibly re-stranding in the next 24 hours or so. If people see any stranded whales please contact DOC's 24-hour number 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)," the spokesperson said.
They also expressed thanks to everybody that has helped with the whales on the beach and in successfully refloating them this afternoon.
Earlier, DOC had said seven of the pilot whales stranded on Saturday morning at the Matarangi Spit are being escorted by boats out towards open sea.
"Hopefully the whales will make their way safely out to sea," a Department of Conservation spokesperson said.
Four whales that died in the stranding are being buried above the high tide mark at Matarangi.
Attempts had been ongoing to move the surviving pod out of the estuary.
The pod became stuck at Matarangi Spit on Saturday and 1000 people, including locals and Department of Conservation staff had been working for hours to rescue them.
On Saturday afternoon a DOC spokesperson said seven whales had been refloated "but the whales have swum into the estuary".
"Four boats are trying to herd the whales out to sea."
Two calves were among the group, one of which is also among the deceased.
"DOC staff are leading the stranding response and there are around 1000 people who've come to help with the whales," the spokesperson said.
"At the moment the surviving whales are being cared for on the sand by volunteers who are keeping them comfortable, covering them with sheets with buckets of seawater being gently poured over them to help protect their skin from drying and to keep them cool."
When Portugal set up a submarine detection machine at Sagres on the western tip of the Algarve, there was an instant effect on whales passing across Trafalgar Bay for the Med. It was supposed the long-wave radiation interfered with the animals' ability to direct its course.
Is that what we are seeing today in New Zealand. Have the Kiwis set up a similar submarine detection machine as well?
Is that what we are seeing today in New Zealand. Have the Kiwis set up a similar submarine detection machine as well?