VIP seal basks on Opera House steps

The Sydney Opera House has a new star attraction - a New Zealand fur seal.

The seal delighted visitors when it hopped up on the VIP boat steps and started sunning itself in the spring weather on Thursday.

Harbour rangers who were called to the scene confirmed that the young male was in perfectly good health and was just having a rest.

The seal has been spotted capering around Sydney Harbour over the past few weeks and chose one of the world's best known places to make landfall.

"We're delighted that he's chosen this wonderful location to take a nap," said maritime rescue group ORRCA spokeswoman Shona Lorigan.

"He's in very good condition and taking lots of little refreshing dips in the harbour."

ORRCA is monitoring about five seals in the harbour.

"It's very common around this time of the year - they find a good location with plenty of fish and off they go," said Ms Lorigan.

Rangers cordoned off a small area to let tourists view the Opera House's latest drawcard from a safe distance.