Sea snakes and kraits - information for divers

This month, a yellow-bellied sea snake was found on Rangiahua/Flat Island near Aotea/Great Barrier Island - the third venomous reptile to be found in New Zealand in the past fortnight.

The snake was dead when it was discovered by a member of the public, and reported immediately to DoC. Last month, on April 27th 2025, a live snake was found on Omaha Beach, north of Auckland, but was deceased by the time a DoC ranger arrived - it had been hit with something, and bitten by a dog. A few days earlier, another live snake was found near Hokitika, on the South Island's West Coast.

Department of Conservation Senior Ranger for Auckland's Marine District Adam Whatton says that although sea snakes and kraits are occasional visitors to New Zealand waters, they are considered a native species under the Wildlife Act 1953. 

"This is because they arrive here naturally from time to time on ocean currents - not by human transportation," he explains. "It is important to note that it is illegal to kill or harass a sea snake, or possess one or any part of one without a permit - doing so would be in contravention of the Wildlife Act 1953, and could result in fines or a prosecution."

While it would be very rare for divers to encounter one of these reptiles, Whatton says there are some key points to remember:

• If you do see a sea snake or krait, either in the water or on land during your surface interval, give the animal plenty of space and let it go about its activities undisturbed. Please don’t try to get that little bit closer for the perfect photograph, as doing so may stress the animal. Sometimes sea snakes or kraits are confused with species of eels including, for example, snake eels. If in any doubt give DOC a call on 0800 DOC HOT anyway.
• On land, a sea snake is likely to be unwell while a krait could simply be warming up, digesting or laying eggs before heading back to the water, but either way it will be feeling vulnerable. Like any animal that’s feeling vulnerable, please don’t corner, touch, trap or otherwise harass one as it may act defensively. 
• Sea snakes and kraits are highly venomous but there is no record of anyone in New Zealand being bitten.

If you do see one of these rare visitors to Aotearoa’s waters, we’d really appreciate you reporting it either via 0800 DOC HOT or you can visit this webpage; Report a sighting: Amphibian and reptile species sightings and observations