New Zealand · South Pacific
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Read recent published observations from New Zealand. Each entry keeps its original source attribution and a link back to the archive.
The council reported a New Zealand fur seal pup paddling in puddles on the college hockey turf. Animal Control returned it to the sea via Scotts Ferry with DOC guidance. Its route inland was unknown.
Source: Rangitīkei District Council; Greg Carlyon — 8 September 2026
Early Sep (reported by 8 Sep) 2026 · Manawatū-WhanganuiA female leopard seal, approximately three metres long, rested at Petone Beach over the weekend. DOC said it was first reported on Friday night and returned to the sea early Monday.
Source: Department of Conservation — 7 September 2026
4–7 Sep 2026 · WellingtonDOC reported a juvenile male leopard seal, about 1.7 metres long, resting in the centre lane of the Sulphur Point boat ramp. It returned to the sea after several days.
Source: Department of Conservation — 6 August 2026
Early Aug (reported 6 Aug) 2026 · Bay of PlentyA first-hand travel diary records a coastal seal colony north of Kaikōura, with pups swimming in a natural pool and nursing. The author did not name the site or give a count.
Source: See-u-Later — Peter, travel diary published 23 April 2026
21–23 Apr (day uncertain) 2026 · KaikōuraVideo showed a New Zealand fur seal at the peninsula colony as a visitor threw seaweed at it. DOC said it was investigating the reported disturbance.
Source: 1News — 11 March 2026
7–8 Mar (day uncertain) 2026 · KaikōuraA seal pup was photographed outside Chaos Cafe in central New Plymouth. Police guided it back towards the Huatoki Stream and foreshore.
Source: RNZ, republished by Evening Report — 5 February 2026
4 Feb 2026 · TaranakiNew Zealand fur seals were observed on the shore during a wildlife cruise along the Otago Peninsula. No count was given.
Source: Wildlife Travel — Michael Blencowe, January 2026 trip report
26 Jan 2026 · OtagoA visiting wildlife group observed a colony of New Zealand fur seals resting on rocks and swimming at Ōhau Point. No count was given.
Source: Wildlife Travel — Michael Blencowe, January 2026 trip report
17 Jan 2026 · KaikōuraPhotographic observation identified on iNaturalist as southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina).
Source: Chris — iNaturalist (chrihi)
17 December 2025 · Cape SaundersPhotographic observation identified on iNaturalist as New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri).
Source: Damon Bender — iNaturalist (hozo)
26 July 2025 · WellingtonPhotographic observation identified on iNaturalist as New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri).
Source: matthieu gil — iNaturalist (matthieu53357)
26 January 2025 · OtagoPhotographic observation identified on iNaturalist as New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri).
Source: afisch80 — iNaturalist
31 December 2024 · Tasman