A diver had a once in a lifetime experience when he encountered an orca off New Zealand.

Footage shows an orca swimming extremely close to the camera held by the diver.

The filmer later wrote online: ''I got a big fright as this big thing came up to me. As soon as I realised what it was, I rushed to pull out my camera to capture the moment.''

''At the time, I genuinely felt very relaxed as soon as I could tell it wasn't threatening and I knew it was just curious.

''It swam past me a few time, slowing down and turning to look at me. Catching eyes with such a massive creature was a surreal experience I will never forget.''

The clip was captured on January 4.

Going out with for for an evening freedive along the coast of wellington. I got a big fright as this big thing came up to me. As soon as I realised what it was, I rushed to pull out my camera to capture the moment. At the time, I genuinely felt very relaxed as soon as I could tell it wasn't threatening and I knew it was just curious. It swam past me a few time, slowing down and turning to look at me, catching eyes with such a massive creature where it notices you is an surreal experience I will never forget. It came within touching distance, and I could see all its battle wounds.