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Manta Ray Yesterday

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    Posted: 30 Jan 2026 at 11:41am
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We saw  a large manta ray yesterday a few kms off the back of the Hen and Chicks. We didnt manage to get a photo before it swam away but there was no doubt. Two of us saw it. I was not aware of them being in NZ waters. Have others sighted them here?
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote SaltyC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2026 at 11:49am
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They are in NZ waters. I've seen them in quite close to the islands in the bay of Islands and in the gulf close to the north eastern end of Waiheke
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Phantom Menace Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2026 at 12:32pm
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I've only seen them once (or twice if you count two sightings on the same day). We swam with them and it was epic!

The golden triangle for sightings in the Hauraki Gulf is apparently north of Little Barrier and out to the Mokes. I've heard of a guy losing a speargun, float and float line to one at the Mokes (he didn't shoot it - it swam across his float line and dragged the whole lot away).

It was an awesome day and I got asked to do a write-up - follow the link for a quick read:
https://www.noobspearo.com/garmin-descent-mk2-sealife/

(A version of this also appeared in an online fishing magazine but I cannot remember which one)
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Telecaster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Jan 2026 at 2:35pm
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Nice! I saw some off the kayak in 50m out past Leigh Reef  a few years ago, there were 3 or 4 of them that I could see, pretty cool.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote DIY Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Jan 2026 at 7:40am
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We also saw one on Thursday at one of the pins just past Cuvier Island.
Do they actually live here or are they passing through?
Oh what a smasher - two eggs and a rasher!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote the gas man Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Feb 2026 at 2:23pm
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Went out Waitangi day afternoon from Tutukaka.
Halfway out to Lochlin reef we spotted one, incredible sight to see.
Thought I was filming it on my phone but didn't push record, muppetry.
Anyway, it rolled over and dived down as we approached, think it was just basking.
Out at Lochlin, there was another Manta that kind of just hung out about 20 meters away from the boat while we were drifting with speed jigs.  I'd bever seen them before, we were buzzing.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote smudge Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 10 Feb 2026 at 7:05pm
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I've never seen a manta ray/devil ray. Something I'd love to see
Best gurnard fisherman in my street
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