New Zealand Fur Seals

We had our first encounter with fur seals just north of Kaikoura at Paparoa Point, where we camped by the ocean for the night. The fur seals there are quite used to humans scrambling around their rocks trying to get a good shot!

A male fur seal strikes a pose

Valued for the pelts, these creatures were hunted to near extinction in the 19th century. But now they are protected and starting to make a comeback. Their current population is estimated to be 10 to 20% of its original size.

One of the unique charms of this location are the seal pups in the Ohau pool. Beneath a very high waterfall is a clear pool filled with frolicking baby seals! To sit by the pool and watch their antics was one of the highlights of my time so far in NZ.