After an endangered sea turtle suffering from pneumonia washed up on a Horowhenua beach, veterans at Massey University are now struggling to save its life.

Generally, the green sea turtle is located in tropical waters, with its closest known habitat, which is, Australia's North Queensland coast.

On Wednesday, the 70cm long female was found on Otaki Beach, as was suffering from a fractured shell, dehydration, shock, and pneumonia.

Kerri Morgan, Massey wildlife Veterinarian said that it was the first turtle seen in New Zealand.

"It's unusual for them to venture this far south, the cold water has given her 'cold shock' and we are doing what we can for her", Ms. Morgan said.

The turtle weighs 28 kg and is going to be kept at the university's wildlife centre in Palmerston North, till the time the turtle makes complete recovery.

Also, the wildlife clinic planned bringing a tank house for the turtle.

For the meantime, the turtle has been kept in warm water and has been hooked up to a fluid drip.

A Spokesperson informed that there were biosecurity problems with transporting her back to her natural habitat, however, given she is able to travel all on her own, that would be better.