Most of the remaining pilot whales from a pod which stranded on Farewell Spit in Golden Bay have swum to safety.
But a small group is still worrying rescuers.
About 33 whales were stranded on Wednesday morning but Department of Conservation Golden May manager John Mason said most of them had been refloated and had since swum to a position beyond the low tide mark.
"They have broken into two pods. One pod has gone quite a way out and they are not causing us any concern, while another smaller pod of about five is still swimming parallel to the coast."
"They are beyond the inter tidal area but we are keeping a boat between the shore and them in case they look like they are going to try to come back in."
About 100 whales stranded themselves near the base of the spit on Monday, 34 of which died that night.
Others managed to free themselves while the remaining whales were refloated on Tuesday with the help of dozens of volunteers. Some, however, stranded again later in the day.
Four died on Tuesday night, and another two died on Wednesday.
Mr Mason said rescuers were delighted they had managed to save as many of the whales as they had.
Department of Conservation spokesman Nigel Mountford earlier said the third day of a stranding was often crunch time, and they would likely die if they didn't refloat.
About 50 people are volunteering to help with rescue efforts, with people travelling from as far as Australia, Auckland and Invercargill to take part.
The dead whales will either be buried or left to dry out in the dunes.
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