Where can you see the Kaikoura seal colony - South Island of New Zealand

Where can you see the Kaikoura seal colony - South Island of New Zealand

A visit to the Kaikoura seal colony on the South Island of New Zealand offers one of the best animal experiences in the country. Hundreds of local fur seals call Kaikoura their home, and here are the best places to see them.

kaikoura is famous for its diverse and numerous types of sea animals. Before we reached the municipality of Kaikoura, we discovered hundreds of dolphins and large humpback whales from the coastal road.

While whales and penguins are popular with animal observers, no attention is paid as much as the Kaikoura seal colony.

In this short guide, I describe the best places for watching seals in Kaikoura as well as some useful tips to ensure sustainable and safe animal observation.

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inevitable activities in Kaikoura

Before I go into the information about the Kaikoura seal, take a look at it!

If you prefer to experience more of Kaikoura's unique wildlife, take a look at these selected activities below. You are the best rated experiences in Kaikoura.

The best places to discover the Kaikoura sealing colony

The truth is that there are seals everywhere on the Kaikoura peninsula. There are dozens of separate seal colonies along the coast.

sidewalk of the Kaikoura peninsula

The most popular place to watch seals in Kaikoura is the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway. This is a flat and rocky land tongue loop that is about 3 kilometers from the main street.

There is a large parking space on the headland, but if you don't have a car, it's just a short, cozy walk along the coast from the city.

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Robben observation on the peninsula path

If you feel like it, the 2-3-hour hike on the Kaikoura peninsula is a great way to guarantee seal views.

The seal population that surrounds the headland consists of dozens, if not hundreds of seals. This means that you will have no problems recognizing them.

If you don't want to run the loop, visit Kean Point best at low tide and go out on the rocky headland. Here you can often find many seals that doze in the afternoon sun. Just think of an increasing flood that can lead to wet legs return to the parking lot.

Although this area with seal colonies is usually not an active breeding area, you should still adhere to a safety distance of at least 20 meters.
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In my opinion, the Kean Point and Peninsula Walkway are the best places to observe seals in Kaikoura. This is because it is more of a natural animal observation experience in which you really have the privilege of observing and photographing seals in your natural environment.
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Tip: Keep an eye on the sea. Dolphins, whales and occasionally even orcas pass the sidewalk of the Kaikoura peninsula and the Kean Point.

Accommodation in Kaikoura near the Robben

• Dusky Lodge and Backpackers - Budget A great hostel for backpackers, which is located near the beach and the city of Kaikoura. It has a heated pool and a whirlpool to relax after an eventful day. The rooms are large and there is a kitchen that can be used to prepare and cook meals. This hotel is great accommodation for $ 30 per night.
• Brook House B & B & B & COTTAGE - BED and BREAKFASTDAS BROOK House B & B & Cottages offers a free continental breakfast with every stay. There is a community kitchen and every room is equipped with a heating for the colder nights. With a view of a beautiful field and only 2 km from the city, the Brook House B&B&COTTAGE is a great B&B option.
• Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura - Motelwenn you are looking for accommodation that is still within the city bike, but is quiet, then the Admiral Court Motel Kaikoura is a good choice of 10 minutes from the city.

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Robben colony ohau point

One of the largest and best known Kaikoura sealing colonies lives on the rocky leads near Ohau Point.

The Ohau Point Lookout is 30 minutes north of Kaikoura on State Highway 1 towards Blenheim.

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The Ohau-Point seal

Since this is a breeding colony, you cannot go down to the seals. However, there is a newly built viewing platform directly above the colony to see it from afar.
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We spent almost an hour to watch the young fur seals playing in the water, and the adults who are in the western sun.

Best season to see the seal puppies

The breeding season of New Zealand Seebären means that seals are often born between December and February. Therefore, the best time of year to see Robben puppies in Kaikoura is between April and September.

later the puppies would have gotten pretty big.
Alt = “Robben puppy in Kaikoura”> fur seal puppy at Ohau Point Lookout

Kaikoura Robbenwimmen

Swimming with the Kaikoura seals is one of the best natural experiences up close that you can experience in New Zealand. There are travel groups that offer these guided swimming rounds, all of which take a boat right off the coast of the Kaikoura peninsula.

no experience is required. You just have to be a safe swimmer and be ready to freeze a little (wetsuits are provided). I compared prices and ratings online, and the far best Kaikoura-robben swimming tour is on Viator.

If you prefer not to go into the water, you can also do a cheaper kayak tour. Both Wilde Robben and penguins came directly to the kayak while driving in Kaikoura! We also discovered humpback whales and dolphins that break through in the distance.
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Kaikoura Freedom Camping

Unfortunately there are no freedom campsite for non -related vehicles near Kaikoura.

However, if you stay in an independent vehicle, there are many different places along the beach promenade where you can drive up free of charge overnight. You can find this in the campermate app.

The most important stop for independent vehicles is the West End car park, which is located near the Kaikoura Museum. If you spend the night here, please pay attention to others and remember to take your garbage with you.

Further activities on the South Island of New Zealand

I hope you liked this short guide to find the best places where you can discover the Kaikoura sealing colonies.

If you are looking for further adventures and travel savings on New Zealand's South Island, be sure to see some of the free travel guides below. A good starting point for great hikes is this megapost of the 31 best hikes on the South Island of New Zealand.

My camera and photo equipment

• Mirrorless camera: Canon R5
• drone: DJI Mavic Pro 2
• 360-degree action camera: Insta360 One X2
• landscape lens: Canon RF 15-35 mm f/2.8l
• all-round lens: Canon RF 24–105 mm f/4L
• telephoto lens: Canon RF 100–500 mm f/f/4.5–7.1 l
• Long action rod: Insta360 Invisible Pole (Bullettime)
• landscape lens filter: Hoya Circular Polarizer
• camera backpack: F-stop Tilopa
• Favorite photo accessories: Peak Design Capture Clip

A list of my recommended photo equipment (including what I use and why) can be found in my guide for camera equipment for the trip.

If you want to use one of the photos on this website, please visit my licensing page to find out how. I also sell professional art prints, visit my print store or contact me directly for customs deductions from pictures on WE Seek Travel.
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