A kayaker in Northland, New Zealand, had a close encounter with a great white shark while fishing on January 31, 2025. The incident, captured on video by kayaker Matthew John Patrick Wells, shows the shark chasing him for several minutes, prompting a frantic escape.
- Kayaker chased by great white shark
- Incident occurred off Northland, New Zealand
- Shark estimated at 4.5 meters long
- Wells documented the experience on video
- He prayed to Tangaroa during the chase
- Encounter left him shaken but unharmed
The incident occurred while Wells was documenting his fishing trip with multiple cameras on his kayak. He noticed a large swell behind him and quickly realized it was a great white shark. In the video, he can be heard exclaiming in shock as he began paddling away, cutting his live bait to avoid attracting the shark. Wells estimated the shark’s size to be at least 4.5 meters (14.8 feet) long and over 1,000 pounds.
During the chase, Wells described the shark as being right behind him, even going after his kayak’s rudder. He reported that the shark followed him for approximately eight minutes, during which he expressed both fear and a sense of respect for the creature. He was about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from shore and attempted to remain calm to avoid provoking the shark.
Wells shared his experience, noting that he prayed to Tangaroa, the Māori god of the sea, during the encounter. He later reflected on the incident, stating, “The shark eventually left me unharmed, but the experience is one I will never forget.” He emphasized the importance of respecting marine wildlife and acknowledged the risks involved when venturing into their territory.
This dramatic encounter serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the need for caution when participating in water sports. Wells’ experience highlights the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and respecting the habitats of marine wildlife.
