Fur seal takes time out to play in the Bay

Strong currents and swells made for a marine playground for this intrepid traveller at Mount Maunganui's Mauao base track yesterday.

The seal, believed to be a New Zealand fur seal, frolicked in waves near the rocks at the north west face of the track while walkers and runners passed by.

The seal did not seem bothered by the 3-4m swells that came crashing down around it, rather it seemed to enjoy ducking and diving underneath its own game.

In calmer patches the seal would playfully bring its flippers to the surface and stretch out, basking in the winter sun.

The New Zealand fur seal spends a lot of time on rocky shores and often travels great distances around the country.