A NSW Government drone has captured the moment a great white shark stalks unsuspecting surfers at Lighthouse Beach, Ballina, in the state's north.

The footage was shot by the NSW Department of Primary Industry over summer as part of the government's $16 million shark management strategy.

It shows a great white swimming in open water before moving closer to two surfers who are unaware of the predator.

One surfer catches a wave and speeds away from the shark. The shark then moves its attention to the second surfer, who is dangling his legs in the water before suddenly swimming away.

Drone footage captures a great white shark stalking unsuspecting surfers Credit:NSW Department of Primary Industry

The video has clocked more than 44,000 views since being uploaded on YouTube on Monday. The incredible footage also shows aerials of other sharks, dolphins, rays and turtles.