The New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri), also known as Kekeno (Maori), are the most common seals in New Zealand waters and are found throughout the country. This marine mammal is distinguished by; its visible external ears and hind flippers which rotate forward, a pointy nose with long pale whiskers and a body covered with two layers of fur. Their coat is dark grey-brown on the back and lighter below, which appears almost black when wet.

Females grow up to 1.5m weighing 30-50 kg while the males may reach up to 2.5m and weigh from 90-150kg. New Zealand fur seals "porpoise" out of the water when traveling quickly out at sea and are able to dive to remarkable depths. It is thought the males may dive beyond 1000m when foraging out on the continental shelf some 200km from mainland New Zealand.