A leopard seal has made it all the way into Wellington's Oriental Bay, delighting onlookers.
Onlookers have gathered around Wellington's Oriental Bay to see the leopard seal. (PHOTO: RNZ / Dom Thomas)
The seal was first spotted at about 8am today, and a cordon is stopping the animal and the public from getting too close
to each another.
Department of Conservation marine advisor Hannah Hendrik said this was the first time a leopard seal had come so close
to Wellington city.
DOC staff are there to make sure people stay behind the barrier and to answer questions.
Ms Hendrik said a leopard seal came onshore at Petone Harbour in 2018, and they visit the Wellington region once or
twice each year.
A leopard seal has been spotted at Oriental Bay, Wellington. (PHOTO: RNZ / Dom Thomas)