The search for a stowaway rat on Motutapu island has ended after a 12 day hunt

DOC rangers spotted the pest on Motutapu almost two weeks ago, and launched an intensive trapping effort.

Extra traps and tracking tunnels baited with peanut butter were set in the area the rat was spotted, adding to the ones already laid as part of the island's biosecurity system.

It was caught on Saturday.

DOC spokesman Keith Gell says biosecurity systems are in place because there's an ever-present risk of a rat, mouse or other pest.

Motutapu has been free of pests since 2011 and is home to a multitude of native birds.