UPDATED 3.50pm: Despite reports of a stranded whale off the shore of Mount Maunganui main beach, the Department of Conservation have confirmed that the mammal is simply resting.

The DOC are monitoring the large, adult southern right whale, but insist it is not stuck.

One of the whales spotted off Mount Maunganui this afternoon. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

However, ranger Pete Huggins asks that people stay out of the water and avoid getting into boats or vessels to get close to the whale.

'It is important for both safety of the public and the whale that vessels and observers keep their distance,” says Pete.

'The biggest risk to the animal is boat strike or getting spooked by boats or people in the water. This could lead to the animal becoming stranded.”

Earlier:

People continue to gather on the sand dunes of Mount Main Beach this afternoon to watch two whales wallowing in the shallows.

A reporter at the scene says there are two southern right whales in the water, to the east of Rabbit Island and around 200m from the shore.

"One is about 40m and there is also a smaller one," he says. "It's quite a fantastic sight.

"They're putting on quite a show and there are dozens of people watching from the beach.

"They've been sticking their heads out of the water and slapping their tails on to the surface as well.

"Not only can you see them, but you can hear them. They are sounding to one another.

"I just heard a roar and then saw water squirt into the air."

The pair are thought to be part of a pod that was spotted off the coast of Maketu earlier today.

The reporter continues: "There are quite a few police officers down here and they appear to be stopping people from venturing out to the whales on paddleboards and kayaks."

Today's sighting follows on from the whales sighted near the Papamoa shoreline yesterday afternoon.

A pod of whales were also spotted about 20m off the coast near Motiti Island.