Looking for an amazing wildlife experience in New Zealand that won’t cost a thing? Kaikōura Seal Colony is the perfect place! Located on the Kaikōura Peninsula, this spot lets you see New Zealand fur seals up close, all in their natural habitat.
I’ve been here many times, and every visit is special. Whether you love wildlife, enjoy taking photos, or just want a fun family outing, this is a must-visit. Plus, unlike expensive whale watching tours or dolphin swims, this experience is completely free!
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Kaikōura Seal Colony, including the best time to go, what to bring, and nearby attractions.
Where is Kaikōura Seal Colony?
The Kaikōura Seal Colony is just a 5-minute drive from Kaikōura town center. If you love walking, you can also take the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. This scenic trail has amazing ocean and mountain views.
How to Get There
By Car: Drive along Fyffe Quay to Point Kean car park. There’s free parking, but it gets busy during peak seasons.
On Foot: Walk the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway (about 3 hours round trip) for breathtaking views.
By Bike: The road is flat and easy for cycling.
Google Maps Location: Point Kean Car Park
Best Time to Visit Kaikōura Seal Colony
You can visit any time of year, but here’s what to expect in different seasons:
Summer (Dec–Feb): Seals are more active in the water. Great for photos!
Autumn (Mar–May): Fewer tourists, seals sunbathe on the rocks.
Winter (Jun–Aug): Baby seals start appearing. It’s cold, so dress warmly.
Spring (Sep–Nov): Seals are still active, and wildflowers bloom along the coast.
👉 Tip: Visit in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer crowds.
What to Expect at Kaikōura Seal Colony
One great thing about Kaikōura Seal Colony is that you’ll always see seals—they live here year-round!
See Seals Up Close
At Point Kean, seals rest on the rocks, often just a few meters away from visitors. Some sleep, while others waddle into the water or interact with each other.
Fun Fact: The New Zealand fur seal was nearly wiped out by hunting, but now the population is growing again!
Stat 1: Today, about 200,000–300,000 fur seals live around New Zealand.
Amazing Scenery & Other Wildlife
Besides seals, you might also spot:
- Little blue penguins waddling along the shore.
- Albatross and seabirds flying overhead.
- Dolphins swimming near the coastline.
Stat 2: Kaikōura is home to over 20 whale and dolphin species, making it one of the best places in the world for marine wildlife.
Photography Tip: Bring a zoom lens for seal close-ups and a wide-angle lens for landscapes.
Analogy: Watching seals at Kaikōura Seal Colony is like visiting a luxury spa—they spend their time sunbathing, stretching, and relaxing on the rocks.
Kaikōura Seal Colony Safety Tips
Stay at least 10 meters (30 feet) away from seals. They may look lazy, but they move fast if they feel threatened.
Do not touch or feed seals. This is a wildlife reserve, and disturbing animals can result in fines.
Use zoom for photos instead of getting too close.
Check the tide times. Some areas get flooded at high tide.
Learn More: For official guidelines on New Zealand fur seals, visit the Department of Conservation website.
Where to Eat & Stay in Kaikōura
Best Places to Eat
The Original Kaikōura Seafood BBQ – A roadside seafood stall where you can enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views. We ordered two small crayfish, grilled fish, seafood chowder, and salmon—everything was fresh and flavorful.
Coopers Catch: Best Fish & Chips in Kaikōura – For a casual meal, Coopers Catch is our go-to fish and chips shop. The fish and squid rings are excellent, though I wouldn’t recommend the sausage. The chips, on the other hand, are a must-try!
Best Family-Friendly Stay
Kaikōura Top 10 Holiday Park – Since my mother was traveling with us, we booked a Self-Contained Unit (Sleeps 6) for NZD 255.60 per night instead of camping. It was surprisingly clean and well-equipped. I’ve stayed at many TOP 10 Holiday Parks, and Kaikōura’s is by far the best.
Camping Option:
For our previous trips, we camped here with our TOP 10 membership discount, paying NZD 145.80 for a powered site (2 nights).
Facilities Include:
- Clean restrooms & showers
- Well-equipped kitchen with Weber BBQ
- Game room & TV lounge
- Outdoor pool & hot tub (all free!)
Our kids had an amazing time swimming, playing in the playground, and bouncing on the jumping pillow. One of the best parts of camping is that even the simplest activities—like setting up the tent, eating outdoors, and using walkie-talkies—become exciting adventures for them.
For more family-friendly campsites in New Zealand, check out my guide on Best Family-Friendly Campsites in New Zealand.
FAQ: Kaikōura Seal Colony
1. Can I swim with the seals at Kaikōura Seal Colony?
No, but you can join seal snorkeling tours in other parts of Kaikōura.
2. Is the Kaikōura Seal Colony safe for kids?
Yes! It’s a great family-friendly activity. Just make sure kids stay at a safe distance from the seals.
3. Do I need a tour guide?
No! Kaikōura Seal Colony is free and open to everyone.
4. What should I bring?
- Walking shoes (if exploring the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway).
- Camera or binoculars for better views.
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (there’s little shade).
- Warm clothing (even in summer, it can get chilly).
5. Are there public toilets?
Yes! Toilets are available at the Point Kean car park.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Kaikōura Seal Colony
I’ve visited many times, and I can confidently say this is one of New Zealand’s best free wildlife experiences. Whether you love nature, photography, or budget travel, you’ll enjoy it!
Why Visit?
✅ It’s free – Perfect for budget travelers.
✅ You’ll always see seals – No need to book a tour.
✅ The views are stunning – Great for photography.
✅ It’s easy to access – Only a short drive from town.
If you’re heading to Kaikōura, make sure to add this to your itinerary! You won’t regret it. Don’t forget to check out my other posts on Top 5 Must-Do New Zealand for more travel inspiration!
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