Lifeguards at a popular Auckland beach rescued a young penguin that had been washed up and deserted by its parents.

Photo: Supplied to RNZ

The penguin was rescued at Takapuna Beach and is now in the care of a vet and it's hoped it will make a full recovery.

Earlier that day lifeguards had to close the same beach when raw sewage spilled into the water.

The beach was shut at 3.30pm after a storm water drain overflowed.

Photo: Supplied to RNZ

The Surf Life Saving Northern Region said the sewage flowed straight into the water, between the flags, and the beach was closed for the rest of the day.

The water quality was later labelled 'high risk' on the SafeSwim website.