A whale that was found dead on a beach in New Zealand earlier this month has been identified by scientists as a spade-toothed whale - a species so rare it has never been seen alive, Ednews reports via BBC.

The five-metre long, beaked creature's identity was determined from its colour patterns and the shape of its skull, beak and teeth.

Its remains have been placed in cold storage whilst DNA testing takes place, with experts saying it may take several weeks before a final identification is confirmed.

Because so few specimens have been found and there have been no live sightings, very little is known about the spade-toothed whale.

Researchers say the carcass discovery could help them acquire crucial new information about the species.

Local officials were notified that the whale had been washed ashore on 4 July at the mouth of the Taiari river, in Otago province on New Zealand's South Island.

Department of Conservation (DOC) official Gabe Davies said in a statement that spade-toothed whales were one of the least known large mammalian species, with only six samples ever documented worldwide.

"From a scientific and conservation point of view, this is huge," he added.