The Department of Conservation (DOC) is urging boaties to take extra care while a southern right whale and her calf are in coastal waters off northern New Zealand.The pair spent last weekend near the coastal settlements of Ngunguru and Pātaua, east of Whangārei, and are thought to be slowly making their way south.They were last seen just north of Auckland.Local tohorā tohunga Hori Parata named the calf Te Pāpunui, after the culturally significant site in Pātaua, where the pair were first reported.DOC marine technical advisor Hannah Hendriks said seeing a mother and calf close to shore was a special experience, and people needed to give them plenty of space."Southern right whales can spend time close to the coast, which gives people a wonderful opportunity to see them, but it also means they can encounter busy recreational boating areas," she said."We're asking people to enjoy these whales from land rather than on the water, and avoid advertising the animals' live position so we can prevent unnecessary disturbance."Hendriks said the pair would have travelled from the subantarctic islands and would need lots of rest, especially the calf, as they prepared for a long migration to their feeding ground south of Australia.Interruptions to their natural behaviours could put them at risk, she said."With spring here and more people getting out on the water, this is a timely reminder to keep a good lookout for whales, dolphins and other marine wildlife. Southern right whales are slow-moving and may not be able to move out of the way of vessels in time to avoid being hit."Hendriks said whales could be hard to spot from a moving boat, especially when resting near the surface, so slowing down and giving them space would prevent injury or disturbance.Southern right whales used to breed in sheltered inshore areas around New Zealand but were hunted to near-extinction in the early 19th century.They got their name because, according to whalers, they were the "right" whales to hunt.Their population was now recovering.DOC's rules for boaties and jet skiers around marine mammalsKeep a careful lookout for wildlife in the water.Slow down to idle or wake speed when marine mammals are nearby.Keep at least 50m away from whales but 200m from large whales with calves.Never block or cut across an animal's path.Take particular care around mothers and calves and avoid separating them.Consider installing propeller guards to keep people and wildlife safe.Keep drones 150m away from marine mammals.