Photo: Supplied / David Moss
Southbound trains on the Hutt Valley line were cancelled for a time on Wednesday morning due to a seal on the rail tracks.
Police said the animal was reported to them just before 6am, it was believed to be on the tracks in Ngauranga.
The seal appeared not to be well and the Department of Conservation had been called, they said.
Northbound trains were running as usual.
Dealys at Ngauranga station. Photo: Supplied / David Moss
Metlink said four services were axed before 7am Wednesday and buses replacements had been provided, but space was limited.
Just after 7am Metlink said it had clearance to resume services into Wellington.
DOC ranger David Moss said the sub-adult fur seal was not an unusual site in Wellington - but this one was "quite skinny" and the fact it was not fazed by where it was could suggest it was fatigued.
"In recent years, seals have turned up in several unusual places across New Zealand, including fish and chip shops, hardware stores, and even golf courses," Moss said.
"Kekeno are cute, but they can give a serious bite, even when not in top condition, so we're really grateful we were called in the first instance."
DOC rangers took it to the south coast where it was safely released.