Seal unusual attraction at Hunua Falls

The playful seal at Hunua Falls. Photo / Carl Elliott

A young fur seal is stealing the limelight at the Hunua Falls south of Auckland after he swam up the Wairoa River, possibly to escape hungry killer whales.

Seals are rarely seen so far up river and the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) said the surprise visitor was a big hit at the popular spot in the forested valley.

"We've never seen anything like it," said ARC principal ranger Tony Oliver.

"This little fella has really been enjoying itself playing in the water around the falls and feasting on trout and eels."

Hundreds of people had made a special trip to see the seal, including people who had been visiting the Hunua Ranges for decades and had never seen such an unusual sight.

Rain had swollen the Hunua catchment, increasing the water running into the Wairoa River and over the Hunua Falls, giving the seal plenty of rushing water to surf and frolic in.

The Department of Conservation advised that seals sometimes ventured upstream to inland river spots and this one was likely to make its own way back out to sea.

- NZPA