FROM THE DEEP: The giant squid, which was dead when it was found, is about 8 metres long.

A giant squid found floating at sea has created a huge amount of interest in Kaikoura this morning.

The squid, measuring about 8 metres in length, was found floating off the coast near Shark's Tooth point in South Bay about 8am by Jack and Sharon Osikai who were returning from a fishing trip.

The Christchurch couple, who have been holidaying in Kaikoura for about 20 years, said they had never seen anything like it.

EMMA DANGERFIELD/Fairfax NZ UNUSUAL FIND:Christchurch couple Jack and Sharon Osikai found the giant squid floating in the water in South Bay, Kaikoura.

"It took us about an hour to pull it in" Jack Osikai said.

A steady stream of people had been to the boat ramp to view the creature.

It is believed it may have been attacked by another squid, because of the shape of bite marks on its body.

- The Kaikoura Star