Around a thousand people have gathered in the Coromandel to help a group of stranded pilot whales

Four pilot whales, including one calf, have died after a pod of 11 beached themselves at Matarangi Spit today.

Of the seven still living, one of those is also a calf.

The Department of Conservation, alongside volunteers and emergency services, are on site caring for the whales.

Photos show throngs of people, including children, armed with buckets of seawater.

An attempt to refloat the surviving whales will be made early this afternoon, in the incoming tide which is due to reach its high around 2.30.

DOC says no more people are needed to assist at the site.