Competitors at the weekend's New Zealand Surfing Championships at Dunedin's St Clair Beach came up against a surprise opponent when a sea lion decided to join in on the action.
According to photographer Mark Stevenson, who captured incredible images of the encounter between the sea lion and surfers, the animal appeared keen to "join in on the action".
"He's breaking out aerials, he's pushing the other guys out of the way, he's dominating the heat... he cruised on a few of the waves," Stevenson joked.
The competitors and watchers-on alike were amazed, he said.
"I think a couple of the North Island guys, their eyes were as wide as saucers... it made a good contest a remarkable contest."
Stevenson, a Dunedin local, said he was noticing an increasing amount of sea lions around the region's beaches.
"In the last five years especially, we're just seeing more and more of them around the coast - getting quite a few interactions with them."
Despite this, the Department of Conservation (DoC) said the New Zealand sea lion remained nationally vulnerable.
"If you are in New Zealand and spot a sea lion, you're seeing one of the rarest sea lions in the world. They're nationally critical and protected," it said.
People were urged to stay at least 10m away if they come across a sea lion.
"Sea lions are confident with humans. Don't run away from them," DoC said.
"Back off slowly if you're too close and avoid direct eye contact. They are unlikely to pursue you.
"Move slowly away if you're in the water."
