A 65cm black turtle has been taken to Auckland Zoo after it washed up on Takapuna beach on Wednesday.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) said the turtle is being cared for and quarantined after it was found by beachgoers.
Auckland Ranger Gabrielle Goodin said eventually the turtle will be sent to Kelly Tarltons for "rehab and release, all going well".
Goodin said the turtle seemed to be in an okay state but needed to be checked before it can be released.
"The 65cm shelled turtle was in reasonable condition, but turtles do not come ashore for no reason in New Zealand, so it may be unwell – this will be determined at the (Auckland) Zoo," she said.
She also warned Kiwis not to attempt to refloat or rescue turtles if they are on the beach and to instead contact DOC.
One beachgoer said she noticed the turtle on her morning walk when she saw a group of people gathered together.
"I didn't know if it was alive or dead and people were crowding around on their phones and dogs were sniffing it."
She said the turtle wasn't moving around much so she called DOC to help it.
Black turtles are a variation of green turtles which can be found in the northern North Island. They are regularly seen at Rangaunu Harbour, in the Far North and Poor Knights Islands, according to DOC. Green turtles are listed as endangered.
