Seal swims upstream to visit Ruatoki

Te Aramahaki Timoti spotted a seal in Ruatoki. Photo / Katee Shanks

Eight-year-old Te Aramahaki Timoti is gaining national fame as a video of a seal sunning itself on the bank of the Whakatane River goes viral.

While seal sightings are relatively common in many parts of New Zealand, not too many locals can recall the last time one visited Ruatoki.

The Ruatoki Bridge spanning the Whakatane River is about 33km from the sea and not normally a resting spot for seals.

Te Aramahaki said he and his Dad were driving over the bridge at 8.30am last Friday when something caught his eye.

"I couldn't remember what they were called so I was kind of clapping my hands and making the noise everyone thinks a seal makes before he finally guessed what I was trying to say."

By then the duo had already crossed the bridge and were making their way to Te Aramahaki's uncle's home.

"Dad must have believed me because he agreed to go back and have a look."

As they approached the seal that was lying on rocks beside the water, Te Aramahaki's dad filmed the excited youngster.

"We got up real close but the seal didn't really like us there and got a bit angry."

Not comfortable with their presence, the seal slipped back into the water.

Te Aramahaki's mum, Rangi Hemi, said she and her partner had spoken to a number of Ruatoki elders about the seal.

"They do recall a seal in Ruatoki but it was many, many decades ago," Ms Hemi said.

"The river had been in flood only a couple of days before the seal turned up so I guess that may have contributed to him getting all the way here."

The seal had a gash which has begun healing on its back.

Department of Conservation staff believe the male seal has followed whitebait up the river.

They have said it is not usual for seals to travel upstream, and believe it is the first time they have heard of one travelling inland to Ruatoki.

Staff think the seal has travelled further up the river past Waikirikiri. People have been urged not to approach it as it will eventually swim back out to sea.

Meanwhile, Te Aramahaki thinks it's cool so many people are interested in the seal video, although he's not too sure about that many people seeing him.