Dozens of pilot whales came ashore overnight at Ngawi on New Zealand's North Island, near Cape Palliser, the island's southernmost point. Rescuers are trying to get the survivors back into the sea.

New Zealand's Department of Conservation says at least 20 whales are on the beach. Local residents say about 50 came out of the water during the night. Most of the animals have died from injuries.

So far, rescuers have put two whales back in the water. Volunteers are keeping the rest alive by wetting them with buckets of water and towels.

Whale strandings are common on the coasts of New Zealand and Australia, and large pods of pilot whales live in the deep ocean around both countries. Why some of the animals come ashore is still not known.