‘Matariki’ proves a traffic-stopper
Wellington’s star attraction has not been driven away by wind and rain; instead, it’s been enjoying some new sights.
The southern right whale was spotted yesterday morning near Matiu/Somes Island, before swimming in towards Evans Bay and making a splash near the Miramar wharf.
The whale then put on a show for spectators, breaching from the water in Evans Bay, causing traffic to stop on State Highway 1 as people stopped for photographs.
It appeared to enjoy the area and could still be seen in the inner-city bay late yesterday.
Traffic reduced to a crawl on Cobham Drive as whale watchers stopped to catch a glimpse. One driver said traffic had backed up all the way to Kilbirnie.
A Department of Conservation spokeswoman said staff had sighted the whale in Evans Bay. DOC wanted to reiterate its message for people to stay more than 50 metres away and no more than three vessels in the vicinity.
On Friday, Wellington City Council postponed its Matariki fireworks event until next weekend, because the increased traffic in the harbour could affect the whale.
Many residents have unofficially named the whale Matariki. Its gender is not officially known, and won’t be until the results of a Niwa biopsy are returned.