A New Zealand GP found a great white washed up on a beach and kept it in his freezer for three months.

Northland doctor, Lance O'Sullivan found the dead shark washed-up on Great Exhibition Bay beach in September last year.

Dr Sullivan, who is a previous winner of New Zealander of the year, stored the 1.85 metre shark because he thought it may be needed for science.

Dr Sullivan, who is a previous winner of New Zealander of the year, stored the 1.85 metre shark because he thought it may be needed for science

Northland doctor, Lance O'Sullivan (pictured) found the dead shark washed-up on Great Exhibition Bay beach in September last year

The doctor carried the prehistoric creature up the sand, in to his car and set it up in his meat freezer.

Months later it was transferred to Auckland Museum where it remained until it was dissected at Massey University's Albany campus on May 3.

The species are notoriously difficult to come by dead as well as in the wild.

During the three-hour autopsy, the shark had it's organs harvested and fins measured.

During the three-hour autopsy scientists gauged the animal's diet after three snappers were found in its stomach

Months later the shark was transferred to Auckland Museum where it remained until it was dissected at Massey University's Albany campus on May 3

It is believed the shark was only a year old and its cause of death is still unknown, but a hook was found in its mouth.

Scientists also gauged the animal's diet after three snappers were found in its stomach.

Massey University lecturer Adam Smith told Stuff the scientific information gathered from the shark was 'pretty valuable'.

He said: 'People tend not to think of them as shy animals but unless you're attracting them with bait, they will avoid contact with humans if they can.'

There are 13 species of sharks found in New Zealand.