Paddleboarder Has Spectacularly Close Encounter With A Family Of Curious Orcas

The most thrilling animal encounters aren't the ones you pay for. In fact, that's what makes them priceless.

On Sunday, while out enjoying a sunny day on the water near Kawau Island, off of New Zealand, paddleboarder Andrea Hegan was treated to the experience of a lifetime. As she made her way along the calm ocean surface, she was met by a family of killer whales, a mother and her calf, that lingered nearby -- suggesting, perhaps, that they were just as excited to see her.

Andrea tells ONE News that the closer encounter was "the most amazing experience" -- and it's easy to see why.

[All photos via Andrea Hegan]