A rare and venomous sea snake recently made an unexpected appearance on an Auckland beach, the first sighting of its kind in seven years, according to the Department of Conservation (DOC).

A local walker, out with their dog in Devonport, spotted the blue-lipped sea krait and immediately contacted DOC. However, by the time rangers arrived, the snake had likely made its way back into the water.

DOC’s senior science advisor Karen Middlemiss mentioned that the last time a blue-lipped sea krait was found alive in New Zealand was in Tauranga Marina back in 2018.

“These snakes occasionally wash up on our shores during the warmer summer months,” Middlemiss explained. “It’s too cold for them to survive here for long, but they are highly venomous, so people should keep their distance.”

She emphasized a strong warning for dog owners: “Dogs are particularly curious, so it’s essential to keep them away. If you or your dog are bitten, seek medical attention immediately.”

Under the Wildlife Act 1953, harming, harassing, or even possessing any part of a sea snake or krait is illegal.

While sea kraits are extremely venomous, New Zealand has never recorded a human bite incident — and authorities hope to keep it that way. If you come across one, DOC urges people not to move the snake but to contact them for guidance.