Kaikoura Seal Colony — Attraction in Kaikōura

The Kaikoura Seal Colony is a must-visit attraction for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Located on New Zealand's South Island, this area offers an incredible opportunity to observe hundreds of wild seals in their natural habitat.

Key Features Abundant Wildlife: Visitors can expect to see numerous New Zealand fur seals lounging on rocks, playing in the water, and sunbathing along the coastline12. The colony is home to both adult seals and adorable seal pups, particularly between April and September.

Scenic Beauty: The seal colony is set against a breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, rocky shores, and snow-capped mountains, creating a picturesque landscape that's perfect for photography.

Accessibility: There are multiple viewing locations, with the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway and Ohau Point being the most popular. These areas offer easy access and well-maintained paths for visitors of all ages.

Visitor Experience The experience is both educational and entertaining. Visitors can observe seals in various activities, from playful pups to lazy adults basking in the sun. The area also provides opportunities to spot other marine life, including dolphins and whales.

While the colony is easily accessible, it's important to maintain a safe distance from the seals and respect their natural habitat. Overall, the Kaikoura Seal Colony offers a unique and memorable wildlife encounter that showcases the beauty of New Zealand's...

The Kaikōura Seal Colony at Point Kean is one of the best places in New Zealand to see fur seals up close—and it’s free! Parking is available right by the coast, and from there it’s just a short walk along the rocky shoreline to spot them. No long hikes or tickets required, which makes it very accessible.

On a sunny afternoon, the silver-grey rocks shimmered under the light, blending almost seamlessly with the resting seals. Most were napping, their round bellies rising and falling with each breath, completely unbothered by visitors. A few groomed themselves with their flippers, occasionally glancing our way as if to ask, “Are you done taking pictures yet?”

These are New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri), part of the eared seal family, easily recognized by their visible ears and ability to “walk” on land using front and back flippers. Watching them so close in their natural habitat felt both peaceful and...

The place is beautiful, and there are plenty of seals, including baby ones. However, some people are very disrespectful… We saw a large group of Asian tourists crossing the rope barrier, shouting and making exaggerated gestures to scare and make the seals move. Several of us told them multiple times to come back behind the rope; they understood but didn’t care at all…

I don’t understand how people can behave like this… Shame on them.

If you come here, please be respectful, follow the signs, and use your zoom to take photos instead of...