Crowds of people gathered at Petone Beach in Wellington today to look at a large leopard seal having a nap.
Photographers, dog walkers, parents and their children all stopped to see the wild animal basking in the sun.
A Department of Conservation (DOC) spokesperson told 1News one of its rangers went out this morning and erected some signs warning people not to approach the leopard seal, and marked out a perimeter around it - the seal was sleeping most of the time.
They said it was "not unusual for seals to come ashore for a rest", and urged people to stay at least 20m away at all times.
"Our message is keep your distance, do not approach leopard seals and keep dogs on a lead - these animals need space and should return to the sea in a day or so," DOC said.
Members of the public were seen sitting next to a driftwood barrier, taking pictures of the animal rom a respectful distance.
Leopard seals were mostly found in Antarctica, but small numbers could be found in New Zealand.
Just last month, Tauranga locals had a similar situation with a snoozing leopard seal near a popular boat ramp.
According to DOC, a leopard seal population estimate in 1977 put the total number at 222,000-440,000 worldwide.
However, it was unknown how many individuals visit/inhabit New Zealand waters.
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