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Some locals formed a driftwood perimeter to prevent people from getting too close to it.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) set up a perimeter and encouraged people to keep their distance.
DOC staff said the seal was in good health and did not appear to be injured.
They expected it was on the shore for a tide cycle and may remain there for the rest of the day.
The seal has spent much of its time sleeping, occasionally raising its head.
Leopard seals visit the Wellington region once or twice a year.
A previous sighting, at Oriental Bay in July, was the first time one of the animals had come so close to Wellington city, according to a DOC marine advisor.
One had previously come onto the shore at Petone Harbour in 2018.
A leopard seal spotted on the beach at Petone, Lower Hutt, on 8 September, 2022.
Photo: Supplied / Giverny Forbes
A leopard seal spotted on the beach at Petone, Lower Hutt, displays a warning behaviour on 8 September, 2022.
Photo: Supplied / Giverny Forbes
A leopard seal spotted on the beach at Petone, Lower Hutt, on 8 September, 2022.
Photo: Supplied / Giverny Forbes
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