A DoC spokesman told Newshub New Zealand fur seals are now experiencing a population comeback.

"This means we'll be seeing more of them playing along our rocky shorelines throughout mainland New Zealand, Chatham Islands and the Subantarctic Islands.

"Seals can wander as far as 15 kilometres inland, often by following rivers and streams.

"They can appear in unusual places, such as a paddock, roadside or an inner-city street. This is a normal occurrence from exploratory behaviour."

Many saw the funny side of the seal's explorative nature.

"Well, that's a different type of seal on the road," one Facebook user said.

"Should've used the crossing, much safer," another commented.

And even the mayor jumped on the bandwagon.

"Oamaru gets the seal of approval," Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher posted.