NZ paddler has close encounter with orca

It might not seem like a whale of a time for most, but this paddle boarder had an enjoyable close encounter with an orca - and has the video to prove it.

(3News/YouTube) Source: (3News/YouTube)

New Zealand man Luke Reilly was paddling about 200 metres off shore on Tuesday when an orca “popped up” next to him.

He told New Zealand’s 3 News that the curious whale even got a taste of the 27-year-old’s board.

"He popped up about 10cm away from the back of my board,” he said.

“…Then he slowly crept up and grabbed the back of my board and I yelled 'what are you doing!’”

Mr Reilly said the orca then swam off, leaving him a “little bit freaked out”.

Posting on a Facebook page for his restaurant Luke’s Kitchen, in Kuaotunu in the north of New Zealand, Mr Reilly described the encounter as “fun”.

His friends seemed to agree.

(Facebook) Source: Facebook