Point Kean Fur Seal Colony Walk
Walk to Point Kean at the tip of the Kaikōura Peninsula where a large resident colony of New Zealand fur seals haul out on rocky reefs just metres from the walkway.
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Point Kean Car Park
Point Kean is the most accessible seal colony in New Zealand — large groups of fur seals haul out on the rocks immediately below the car park and along the base of the peninsula.
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Main Seal Haul-Out
Dozens of New Zealand fur seals rest on the dark volcanic rocks — adults, juveniles, and pups all present, the colony thriving since commercial sealing was banned in the early 20th century.
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Pup Nursery Area
In late spring and early summer, pups are born on the rocks — mothers leave for extended feeding trips while pups wait in nursery groups, recognising their mother by call on return.
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Rock Pool Seals
Younger seals play in the rock pools around the peninsula base — they are curious and often approach the walkway edge, though the 10-metre rule must be respected for their protection.
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Peninsula Reef View
The offshore reef extends into water that turns brilliant turquoise above the sand channels — shags, oystercatchers, and variable oystercatchers work the reef edge alongside the seals.
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Kaikōura Town View Return
The return walk follows the peninsula base with constant views of the mountains rising directly behind Kaikōura — the combination of seals below and snowfields above is unique in the world.