Pygmy blue whale washes up dead on West Coast beach

Tuesday 11 August 2026 · 4 outlets · 3 reports · updated Wed 12 Aug, 10:20am

In this story Department of Conservation

A 21.7-metre pygmy blue whale, estimated to weigh 20 tonnes, washed up dead at Carters Beach near Westport. The Department of Conservation confirmed the species, while the cause of death remains unknown. Plans have been made to bury the carcass near the dunes.

How they headlined it

16h

Tue 4:07pm6:19pmWed 10:20am

1. The Post via The PressTue 11 Aug, 4:07pm

   Huge dead whale washes up on West Coast beach leaving ‘horrible’ smell (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Press (opens in new tab)

2. StuffTue 11 Aug, 6:19pm

   Watch: Huge pygmy blue whale washes up on West Coast beach (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsWed 12 Aug, 10:20am

   Huge pygmy blue whale washes up dead on West Coast beach (opens in new tab)