We’ve had a number of photos posted to social media about the tides over the past day or so – mainly focused on just how far out the tide has gone.

This morning NIWA – the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research – tweeted @WeatherWatchNZ and other followers to explain why the tide has been going out so far….and coming in higher than usual.

You can find NIWA’s list of “red alert” days for King Tides here – and a big thank you to NIWA for explaining what is going on.

@ianray68 @WeatherWatchNZ here is why #kingtides https://t.co/RAEvAdMdsW pic.twitter.com/57ttyoXuWq

— Niwa Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 16, 2016

Never seen the tide so low around the Westhaven this afternoon @WeatherWatchNZ @NiwaWeather pic.twitter.com/WgMetw3FDs

— Ian Ray (@ianray68) December 16, 2016

Stunner summer FRIYAY in @WellingtonNZ @WeatherWatchNZ pic.twitter.com/hjAiBamxUi

— Paola Brett (@paolabrett) December 15, 2016

Just about walk to Rangitoto. Does #supermoon2016 mean a super low tide? @WeatherWatchNZ pic.twitter.com/AW1HWxvGEr

— ☀︠