A sun smart sea lion may have stolen a Dunedin family's picnic spot, but stopped short of stealing their lunch.

Nikita and Kenny Hau and their two young boys were about to eat at Aramona, near Dunedin, on Monday when something emerged from the water.

"The tide was quite high, and then this sea lion just surfed in on this wave and stopped right in front of us," Nikita Hau said.

DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION/STUFF The Department of Conservation recommends staying at least 20 metres away from sea lions. (File photo)

The sudden presence of the large sea lion terrified their 3-year-old son, and the family soon had to move when the mammal started inching even closer.

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"It wasn't being aggressive in anyway ... it was like he was being playful."

FOREST AND BIRD John Burke of the NZ Sea Lion Trust, a volunteer group based in Dunedin, explains why the marine mammal is critically endangered. (Video first published in September 2019)

But the family were not so keen on playing, abandoning their sandy spot, including the towels, large umbrella and picnic.

"We were set up for the afternoon, and he certainly had a bit of a rustle around ... but he didn't eat any of the food.

"My husband tried to shoo him away, but he bared his teeth at us so we gave up."

The family decided to walk along the beach as the sea lion spread itself out on a towel.

After 20 minutes he moved from the shaded spot of their umbrella to be closer to the water, where he promptly fell asleep.

That's when the Hau family grabbed their gear, and moved to a quiet spot further along the beach.

"I think he was just being nosy," Nikita Hau said.

DOC'S ADVICE ON HOW TO ENJOY SEALS AND SEA LIONS:

- Always stay at least 20 metres away.

- Do not disturb seals or sea lions. Don't make loud noises or throw objects near them.

- Keep dogs and children under control around seals or sea lions.

- Never attempt to handle seals or sea lions as they can be aggressive.

- Do not drive vehicles any closer than 50m from seals or sea lions.

- Flies are often attracted to the natural secretions around the eyes of seals. This does not mean the seal is sick and is not a cause for concern.

- It is natural for mothers to leave their pups alone while they return to sea to forage. Please do not disturb or move solitary pups.

- If you are concerned about the safety of a seal or sea lion, please call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).