Ohau Point Seal Colony
Ohau Point Seal Colony
Ohau Point Seal Colony
4.5
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See what travellers are saying
- bonnie-ourayParis, France12 contributionsMust See the Ohau Point SealsThis is probably my favorite thing to do in Kaikoura. Just live seeing so many of them doing their own thing. We went back 2 days in a row. There's an easy to access parking area and the seals seem to be doing tgeir seal thing all the time. (Google maps called this the Kaikoura Seals.)Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 December 2022
- Anne N83 contributionsVery Close Viewing of Enormous Number of Fur SealsThis is the place for an up close viewing of fur seals. This time of year there were many playful pups and we must have spent about 435 minutes watching all of their antics all along the walk way. Plenty of room for viewing!Visited January 2023Written 22 January 2023
- Ellie PLeeds, United Kingdom30 contributionsUnderratedWe were recommended this by the guide on the whale watching tour. It is so underrated as there are very little signs for it. There were over 100 seals there when we went. So many of which were little pups! Because you look down on them there is no danger of getting too close or distressing the seals which is fantastic!Visited March 2023Written 9 March 2023
- chchmumChristchurch, New Zealand57 contributionsAbsolutely must stop!Amazing must do. Easy lookout with hundreds of seals. Pups playing in pools and adults sleeping. Saw pups feeding from mums. Just unbelievable spot. You could so end ages just watching them all play, and all for free!!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 April 2023
- AlaskaFamlyFairbanks, Alaska112 contributionsExcellent seal and wave viewingWe drove out to the point. The tide was low and the waves big, so we were just enjoying that scenery when a large seal raised its head and expressed some displeasure at our nearness. We went on our way to the car park and were able to walk along the beach, watch huge rollers pound along the shore, and see hundreds of seals. We eventually stopped where a seal lay across the track and climbed up to the walk along the bluffs, then back down a staircase to the beach. It was all pretty incredible.Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 April 2023
- Philip B8 contributionsAmazing view of seals from elevated walkwayFollowing the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake State Highway 1 north and south of Kaikoura had to be almost completely re-engineered and re-built. The seal colony at Ohau Point benefited hugely from this work, as the re-construction included a generous car park on the east side of the highway, along with a concrete walkway approx. 1.5km long that is elevated above the shoreline and protects the seals from people with a 1.2m high fence and railing for its entire length. Some interpretive signage is helpful in orienting visitors to the significance of the spot in Maori history and culture. The main attraction, though, is the seals: everything from seal pups frolicking in the tidal pools or nursing with their mothers, to juveniles tussling with one another, to adults snoozing on the rocks. The view from above on the walkway is magical, giving a clear vista of the colony. A great place to stop, as the car park is safely away from the lanes of traffic.Visited July 2023Written 30 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
1,254 reviews
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Philip B
8 contributions
Jul 2023
Following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake State Highway 1 north and south of Kaikoura had to be almost completely re-engineered and re-built. The seal colony at Ohau Point benefited hugely from this work, as the re-construction included a generous car park on the east side of the highway, along with a concrete walkway approx. 1.5km long that is elevated above the shoreline and protects the seals from people with a 1.2m high fence and railing for its entire length.
Some interpretive signage is helpful in orienting visitors to the significance of the spot in Maori history and culture.
The main attraction, though, is the seals: everything from seal pups frolicking in the tidal pools or nursing with their mothers, to juveniles tussling with one another, to adults snoozing on the rocks. The view from above on the walkway is magical, giving a clear vista of the colony.
A great place to stop, as the car park is safely away from the lanes of traffic.
Some interpretive signage is helpful in orienting visitors to the significance of the spot in Maori history and culture.
The main attraction, though, is the seals: everything from seal pups frolicking in the tidal pools or nursing with their mothers, to juveniles tussling with one another, to adults snoozing on the rocks. The view from above on the walkway is magical, giving a clear vista of the colony.
A great place to stop, as the car park is safely away from the lanes of traffic.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dianedinky
Dunfermline, UK734 contributions
Feb 2023
It is what it says! Lots of seals all up and about and a great chance to see them - and the babies - up close. Is also a very picturesque area so some lovely scenic views even without the seal action.
Normally I find seals are mainly sleeping so was nice to see them swimming in the rock pools and the young ones playing. There was a survey going on when we were there and fur clippings were being taken as part of recording the seal population numbers. Was fun to watch as the seals tried to scoot off and escape from the scissors. I must stress those that the survey staff were very gentle and did not harm any seal, was just that the animals were naturally wary and keen to escape up the rocks.
A really delightful viewing point.
Normally I find seals are mainly sleeping so was nice to see them swimming in the rock pools and the young ones playing. There was a survey going on when we were there and fur clippings were being taken as part of recording the seal population numbers. Was fun to watch as the seals tried to scoot off and escape from the scissors. I must stress those that the survey staff were very gentle and did not harm any seal, was just that the animals were naturally wary and keen to escape up the rocks.
A really delightful viewing point.
Written 9 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AlaskaFamly
Fairbanks, AK112 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
We drove out to the point. The tide was low and the waves big, so we were just enjoying that scenery when a large seal raised its head and expressed some displeasure at our nearness. We went on our way to the car park and were able to walk along the beach, watch huge rollers pound along the shore, and see hundreds of seals. We eventually stopped where a seal lay across the track and climbed up to the walk along the bluffs, then back down a staircase to the beach. It was all pretty incredible.
Written 12 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Horace
Christchurch, New Zealand2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Fantastic place if you're into these cuddling, cute New Zealand fur seals. Highly recommend for a break.
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chchmum
Christchurch, New Zealand57 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Amazing must do. Easy lookout with hundreds of seals. Pups playing in pools and adults sleeping. Saw pups feeding from mums. Just unbelievable spot. You could so end ages just watching them all play, and all for free!!
Written 8 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy L
London, UK200 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Situated on the side of the road, we’d have missed it if we weren’t told about it.
Safe viewing for seals & humans as there’s no beach access. Just wonderful to watch, well worth a stop.
Safe viewing for seals & humans as there’s no beach access. Just wonderful to watch, well worth a stop.
Written 22 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellie P
Leeds, UK30 contributions
Mar 2023
We were recommended this by the guide on the whale watching tour. It is so underrated as there are very little signs for it. There were over 100 seals there when we went. So many of which were little pups! Because you look down on them there is no danger of getting too close or distressing the seals which is fantastic!
Written 10 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G. M . K.
Woking, UK84 contributions
Feb 2023
If you're in the area, go and take a peek from the walk way. Seals everywhere you look. Reasonable parking area, signposted off road.
Went back for a second visit!
Went back for a second visit!
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia C
Houston, TX124 contributions
Dec 2022
We could see many, many fur seals from the viewing areas - mamas with crying pups and males jousting for dominance. This was just an amazing place to visit to view these creatures in their natural habitat withou disturbing them at all. We didn't want to leave!
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dannyyan2019
Houston, TX10 contributions
Jan 2023
We drove from Kaikoura following the advice from a local pilot. Saw so many seals! There are even mother seals feeding their cubs, so cute.
Written 31 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LiverpoolLelly
Crosby, UK160 contributions
We are visiting Kaikoura next Feb we wont have a hire car and was wondering if we would be able to get a taxi or is there a local bus that runs around that area?
JKWG
Wellington, New Zealand86 contributions
Your best bet is a tour. Sure to be one from Kaikoura - plus there are other sites to see seals and a tour will get you to the best ones. Some other really good tours from Kaikoura too. Make sure you have some crayfish while you are there!
LiverpoolLelly
Crosby, UK160 contributions
We are staying in Kiakoura next Feb and would like to visit the Ohau seal coloney, we don't have a hire car would we be able to get a taxi or is there a local bus that could take us there? Any ideas? Thanks
Tania C
Woodend, New Zealand39 contributions
Hi, Unfortunately you would need a car to get to Ohau Seal Colony and I am unsure of a bus. However check out local websites and flick them an email to see if they have any bus tours to Ohau in Feb,they may do given this is a peak time for them. Enjoy our beautiful natural coast line. Thanks
SingaporeAndrew
Singapore, Singapore47 contributions
Hi Amy, all. Can you please advise the location of the place (on google maps)? I understand there are some road closures around that region so wondering whether we should plan for this or give it a miss. We'll be coming from Christchurch heading north.
Old V
173 contributions
The coastal road, SH1, is open and you can drive straight through from Christchurch.
delphine p
2 contributions
comment avez vous fait pour vous rendre a ohau point car c est sur la route fermee du au tremblement de terre y a t'il un autre moyen de s'y rendre ?
christelle F
Biot, France38 contributions
la route est fermée après kaikoura en venant de chrischurc. Ns avons du faire demi tour et passer par les terres pour rejoindre picton. Une journée de route !
ad00dy
Auckland Central, New Zealand
best time of year to vist seals
Robbies777
Stratford, New Zealand44 contributions
We were there in March and there were heaps
Are the seals dangerous? Will they attack? What happens if one is in the path on the way back?
ScandiScot
Iowa101 contributions
There is a viewing platform elevated above and at a distance from the seal colony. You should never approach wild animals because they can be unpredictable--and because it is not in their best interest to become acclimated to humans. Observe from a distance and enjoy them acting naturally. :-)
Annette T
Wellington, New Zealand8 contributions
Worth going to see end of May this year - or too late for seals? Thanks,
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Claim your listingOHAU POINT SEAL COLONY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ohau Point Seal Colony
- Hotels near Ohau Point Seal Colony:
- (0.77 km) Nikau Lodge
- (0.67 km) Barnacle Bills
- (0.92 km) Kaikoura Holiday Homes Limited
- (1.14 km) Bendamere House Bed and Breakfast
- (1.40 km) The Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel Kaikoura
- Restaurants near Ohau Point Seal Colony:
- (0.96 km) Cafe Encounter
- (1.31 km) Zephyr Restaurant
- (0.46 km) Hiku
- (0.46 km) Charli's Seaside Refreshments
- (1.56 km) Black Rabbit Pizza