Live huntsman spider stopped at Auckland Airport

The Aussie critter was discovered during a routine inspection of outdoor equipment. Photo / Twitter, Ministry for Primary Industries NZ

An unwanted Aussie has been stopped at the border, after hitching a ride in a tent across the Tasman.

Biosecurity staff at Auckland Airport have foiled an attempt by a live huntsman spider, during a routine inspection of outdoor equipment.

The Ministry of Primary Industries trumpeted the discovery on Twitter.

"#Huntsman spider found in tent from #Australia by #biosecurity staff at @AKL--Airport! Thanks team!"

#Huntsman spider found in tent from #Australia by #biosecurity staff at @AKL_Airport! Thanks team! pic.twitter.com/8wWdPObHhF

— Ministry for Primary Industries (@MPI_NZ) January 6, 2016

A spokesman said the large spider was found in luggage brought into the country in December.

He said while the Australian huntsman spider was not venomous, it still posed a biosecurity risk with the threat of introducing new parasites into the country.

"Our approach to huntsman spiders is when we find them, we intercept them and we destroy them."