Beachgoers at the Coromandel Peninsula's Matarangi Beach had a "once in a lifetime" experience today when a pod of playful dolphins came near the shore to frolic in the waves.

Auckland's Melissa Macpherson was visiting her bach at Matarangi Beach with the family for the long Easter weekend, when the magical experience took place around 1pm today.

"There were about six to eight of them weaving in and out of swimmers for about 30 to 40 minutes.

"It was a once in a lifetime experience," Ms Macpherson told 1 NEWS.

While the Auckland resident says she has seen dolphins in the area before, they have never ventured close to shore.