A pod of dolphins swam up the Whau River in west Auckland, and not for the first time.

Photo: Supplied to Avondale Community Action by Nina Patel

Video footage shows a pod - apparently about a dozen - gliding from the Te Atatu Peninsula inland towards New Lynn.

Whau River Catchment Trust chairperson Gilbert Brakey said every year or two they cruise at high tide most of the way up.

He said a few years ago a pod of about 100 - young and old - came in search of food.

Mr Brakey said such visits are special and a nice surprise.