The Department of Environmental Protection is investigating after a whale has died in the Kaikōura area and another has been injured

The Department of Conservation (DoC) is investigating after one whale was injured and another was found dead on top of the South Island over the New Year.

South Marlborough Operations manager Gavin Finch said the tour operator reported an injured sperm whale Kaikoura region on December 29.

“We are currently assessing the injuries based on the photos provided. We don’t know when or how the whale was injured,” he said.

“Conditions have been difficult recently so there have been few vessels in the water, but we are hopeful that the whale will be visible in the coming days now that conditions are calmer.”