Pod of dolphins getting closer to entrance of river

Conservation staff say the pod of dolphins that has taken up residence in a Far North river is venturing a little closer to the river mouth.

Six bottlenose dolphins swam up the Oruaiti River on Wednesday.

One of them stranded on the bank yesterday, and died.

A DoC spokesperson says they may have swum up the river to hide from Orca whales in the Mangonui harbour.

Carolyn Smith says staff have been monitoring the dolphins' for signs of distress that could lead to more strandings.

But their behaviour appears normal and they are now heading a little closer to the river mouth.