There's a risk about 40 pilot whales that stranded on Northland's Ruakaka Beach, could end up in the same position again

Hundreds of members of the public, DOC staff and whale rescue organisation Project Jonah medics worked to free up to 40 stranded whales last evening.

The majority were re-floated and swam back out to sea, but three adults and one calf died.

Project Jonah General Manager Daren Grover says people in the area should keep an eye out over the next few days, in case they come back.