A 17m long dead sperm whale has washed up on Rabbit Island, near Nelson.
The dead sperm whale was reported to DOC on Wednesday morning. Photo: Supplied/ Department of Conservation
Department of Conservation Motueka operations manager Chris Golding said it was reported yesterday morning and was likely to have died of natural causes.
DOC was consulting with Te Tau Ihu iwi representatives about options to decide what will happen with the remains of the whale.
Iwi representatives said a karakia for the whale yesterday afternoon.
DOC advised people to keep away from the whale and not to touch it for health reasons.