Ohau Point Lookout — Attraction in Kaikōura

All seals, whales and dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.

The estimated current population for New Zealand fur seals is around 200,000.

Natural predation : sharks, killer whales (orca), leopard seals and occasionally sea lions.

Fur seal whiskers catch the vibrations of prey swimming nearby.

Fur seals are perfectly streamlined for swimming and diving.

Large round eyes help the Kekeno see in the dark water.

They can travel very fast underwater, up to 50 km/h, and can dive to depths of over 200 metres.

They are very well camouflaged, having the exact same colour as the rocks they lie on - changing from light brown to almost black when wet.

They can dive deeper and longer than any other species of fur seal. They have been recorded diving deeper than 238 metres and for as long as 11 minutes!

The life span of a New Zealand fur seal is up to 15 years.

The Kaikōura Canyon is a submarine canyon located around 800 metres off the Kaikōura Coast.  It stretches for over 60 kilometres and reaches depths of up to 1200+ metres.

There are 500 individuals per square metre, 10 times the maximum number ever before found. There are, on average, 5000 fish per hectare, 10 times that found in the...

Ohau Point Lookout is an absolute must-visit when in Kaikoura. The elevated walkway offers spectacular panoramic views of the rugged coastline and a large colony of New Zealand fur seals. Watching the playful pups splashing in tidal pools and the adults lounging on the rocks is a truly magical experience. The viewing platform is thoughtfully designed to keep visitors at a respectful distance, ensuring the seals remain undisturbed while you enjoy incredible close-up views. The site is easily accessible with a spacious car park, making it a convenient stop along State Highway 1. We even decided to stop here for lunch. The fresh sea air, the sound of waves crashing, and the lively seal antics make this spot unforgettable. It’s perfect for families, nature lovers, and photographers alike. We wish we had brought binoculars for an even better look and taken more time to explore. It’s easy to spend hours just watching the seals and soaking in the stunning coastal scenery. Ohau Point Lookout is a beautiful, peaceful place that showcases New Zealand’s unique wildlife and natural beauty. Highly...

I'd read and heard about his overlook, but it sneaks up on you as you drive north from Kaikoura. It's maybe 15 minutes north, there's a pretty long pull-out area on the coast side of the 1, but no real parking lot. A little further north is the lot for the walking trail. From the overlook you can look down at the seals on the rocks, including a bunch of pups. There are 2 overlooks spots looking down at 2 different sets of rocks. There's also giant seaweed in the ocean by the rocks and you can see the seals playing in that. You can see the seals from the road, and this can be a very quick stop to look or take a few pictures, then jump back in the car. There isn't anywhere to walk from this shoulder area, it doesn't link up with the waterfall...