New Zealand fur seals can usually be spotted lazing around on the rocks at the end of the peninsula. Give them a wide berth (10m), and never get between them and the sea – they will attack if they feel cornered and can move surprisingly fast. Since the uplift of the coastline during the 2016 earthquake, the seals have moved further from the road and car park, so keep a close eye on tides.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Lookout

0.07 MILES

At the northern entrance to the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, overlooking the Point Kean Seal Colony.

2. Point Sheep Shearing Show

0.46 MILES

The 30-minute Point Sheep Shearing Show at the Point B&B is fun and educational. You can feed a ram, and lambs between September and February.

3. Fyffe House

0.65 MILES

Kaikōura’s oldest surviving building and the last remaining part of the Waiopuka whaling station, Fyffe House's whale-bone foundations were laid in 1844…

4. Lookout

1.02 MILES

Scenic lookout over the seal colony at the southern end of the Kaikōura Peninsula.

5. Lookout

1.34 MILES

Scenic lookout over South Bay on the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway.

6. Kaikōura Museum

2.24 MILES

Housed in a modern building designed to resemble a crayfishing pot, this whizz-bang museum illuminates the region's geology and natural and social…

7. Emporium Brewing

2.76 MILES

Fill up a takeaway rigger or buy bottles of Emporium's tasty brews at this simple taproom. There are also escape rooms (two players $70; book ahead) and…