Surprise seal frolics at Hunua Falls

A young New Zealand fur seal was a surprise visitor to Hunua Falls this week, having made its way up the Wairoa River to the popular spot in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park.

"We've never seen anything like it!" says Auckland Regional Council (ARC) principal ranger south, Tony Oliver.

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

"We've had hundreds of visitors come out for a look already, including people who have been visiting the Hunua Ranges for decades and have never seen such an unusual sight."

Recent rain has swollen the Hunua catchment, increasing the amount of water running into the river and over the falls, and giving the seal plenty of rushing water to surf and frolic in.

ARC rangers contacted the Department of Conservation, which advised that seals sometimes do venture upstream to inland river spots and this one is likely to make its own way back out to sea.

The seal appears to have headed back along the river this morning and out to sea. Rangers are checking throughout the day to see if it returns. It is suspected that a pod of orca seen in the harbour may have encouraged the seal up the river.

"Our team will be keeping an eye out for the seal and will make sure it doesn't get into trouble and doesn't get disturbed," says Mr Oliver.

New Zealand fur seals are a protected species and must not be approached by the public.

The ARC recommends that people do not enter the water or swim in the river around the Hunua Falls for their own safety. This area has dangerous currents, deceptive depths and is extremely cold, especially in times of high rainfall.

"Please observe the warning signs and, parents, keep an eye on your kids at all times. Make sure they do not play in or near the river," says Mr Oliver.

Robin Ducker photographed the seal frolicking at the foot of the falls, as seen in our gallery, top right. (Copyright Robin Ducker Photography 2009 www.robinduckerphotography.com).