As the tide rises in New Zealand’s Northland Harbours, Stingrays and Eagle rays swim in to feast on shellfish. But they are not the top of the food chain. Only in New Zealand, and only in these harbours do Orca hunt rays. Trapped in the shallows, the rays breach the surface and swim for their lives, as the Orca pursue – with a highly evolved practice for avoiding the rays’ stinging tail.

As the tide ebbs, the once underwater world of Northland’s mangroves surfaces and seethes. Twisted roots that moments ago sheltered fish are now exposed – a seafood platter for patient Herons, Spoonbills, and Shags.

Our Big Blue Backyard: Northland reveals the unique behavior of a majestic predator and its equally charismatic prey.