The arrival of a New Zealand fur seal earlier in the week was trumped by the arrival of a sub Antarctic fur seal on Thursday.

The two seals lazed about on rocks for most of the day and delighted onlookers.

ORRCA says sightings of the smaller fur seal are very rare in northern waters. They are among the smallest of fur seals and juveniles are often mistaken as pups.

They are very timid, and will often crawl into bushes, ORRCA says. They will also lay motionless at times. Despite their small size they will still deliver a nasty bite. 

The species is more often found in an area known as the “Antarctic Convergence" - a zone of water between the cold waters of the true Antarctic and the more temperate waters to the north.

Onlookers are urged to stay back at least 40 metres, and never get between a seal and the water. If you see a seal yawn, it is actually baring its teeth, and is warning that it may bite.

If you see a seal report it to the ORRCA Seal Hotline 02 9415 3333.