A Christchurch family had an unforgettable experience on Sunday afternoon when a pod of three orcas swam up to their boat in Lyttelton Harbour.

Video shared with chrislynchmedia.com shows the majestic marine mammals gliding through the water, even passing directly beneath the family’s vessel.

Orcas, also known as killer whales, are highly intelligent and social creatures often found in New Zealand waters.

They are the largest members of the dolphin family and are known for their striking black-and-white patterns.

In the South Island, orcas are commonly seen near Kaikōura, Akaroa, and the Marlborough Sounds, but sightings in Lyttelton Harbour are less frequent.

Orcas in New Zealand typically hunt for rays, fish, and small marine mammals.

They are known to travel in pods, which are often family groups led by a matriarch.

The family said watching the orcas up close was a moment they would never forget, describing it as magical.