Video footage of five dolphins riding the waves with a group of surfers at Medlands Beach has captured hearts online—offering a moment of magic as the sun set behind the island’s rugged hills.
The scene unfolded at dusk, with the brilliant yellow sky casting a golden glow over the ocean, as dolphins and humans appeared to move in perfect harmony. The video, filmed by Annamarie Clough, has quickly racked up reactions and comments from islanders and visitors alike.
“Surfers, swimmers and dolphins enjoying the last of the day at Medlands Beach,” Clough posted alongside the clip, which shows the animals breaching and weaving through the surf beside seven surfers.
One local simply commented: “So beautiful.” Clough replied: “The dolphins were with them the whole time I walked the beach. Magic!”
Sharni Melville, one of the surfers in the water, said the moment was “incredible.”
“They were so close up, goggles on to see under water,” she wrote. “Having them surf with us was such a beautiful experience!!”
Adrienne Medland called the moment “so cool,” while Michelle Benson wrote: “Oh my gosh how gorgeous this is.”
It’s not the first time the island’s marine life has delivered jaw-dropping scenes this month. Just two weeks ago, a stranded whale off the island’s southern coast prompted an impromptu rescue. A group of residents formed a human chain in the shallows to guide the whale back to deeper water.
That rescue was also caught on video and widely shared. It drew praise for what many described as a classic Aotea moment: no fuss, just a fast-moving collective effort to protect wildlife.
“The dolphins were there at midday too,” local Kathy added. “So lovely to spot them on my walk.”
“They were really enjoying themselves!” Clough replied.
A reminder, on Aotea, even a stroll along the beach can turn into a front-row seat to the wonders of the natural world.
