A seal found in Karangahake Gorge is a timely reminder that Conservation Week has begun, and encountering seals and penguins is part of the natural coastline environment.

This year's theme is: ‘Healthy nature, healthy people', and aims to encourage New Zealanders to get out into nature and become aware of the link between a healthy natural environment and their own health and well-being.

The Karangahake Gorge seal, which appeared in the area last week. Photo: Department of Conservation.

Tauranga Department of Conservation ranger Peter Huggins says the Karangahake Gorge seal could have gone there for its health.

'He could have swum there in no time at all,” says Peter. 'We were a little bit surprised about him getting all the way up there, but it's not unheard of.

'It's not hugely uncommon, just a bit weird. There's trout in there and apparently the bugs that live in their skin don't like the fresh water, so they might get a bit of relief if they come into the fresh water.”

There haven't been any more sightings of the seal since last week, explains Peter, and it may have found its own way back to the sea.

Conservation week coincides with a change of focus along the shorelines from fur to feathers, as young penguins begin leaving their nests.

'We are coming out of the winter seal season and people will see less of them,” says Peter. 'But penguins will start appearing as the fledglings leave the nests in the next couple of months.”

The request from the DOC is for people to keep to the tracks, particularly on Moturiki/Leisure Island in Mount Maunganui, because of the danger of stumbling over penguin burrows.

This year's theme draws on the link between looking after our natural spaces and improving our health outcomes, says DOC Outreach and Education Manager Sarah Murray.

'Disconnecting from the online world and the hustle and bustle of everyday life is easier than many people think,” says Sarah.

'Getting your toes wet, your boots muddy and unwinding with the kids in our natural spaces is the perfect prescription for a healthier life.”

Research suggests that regularly taking part in activities in the outdoors leads to improved physical and mental health. Exposure to nature also helps reduce stress and helps people recharge.

People are being encouraged to get out to natural conservation areas this Conservation Week and reap the health benefits as a result.

'A sector of our population still isn't aware that regularly interacting with the natural environment will mean better physical and mental health and social wellbeing,” says Sarah.

'The DOC is urging people to help conserve our natural green and blue spaces, so that future generations can enjoy the health benefits for years to come.

As part of Conservation Week, there will be night time tours of the Mount every night this week with the Mauao Area Wildlife Trust.

Also on offer is a night walk at Otanewainuku, near Oropi, and an open day at the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park at Whakamarama.

For a full list of Bay of Plenty conservation Week activities, click here.