Ohau Falls seal pups
August 6th, 2009
These dudes are turning into a Kaikoura tourist attraction of their own.
Each winter a load of seal pups from the Ohau Point seal colony use the Ohau stream and waterfall area as their nursery for the day. Seems like there are hundreds up there this winter, most days they are all the way up the creek and there will be a group playing in the pool at the falls. Apparently they head up there while the folks go out fishing for the day. Makes sense, it’s safe from sharks and orcas and there are plenty of humans to keep them entertained.
They have no fear of the people who head up the five minute walk to see them, some of the pups will come over and have a sniff then head off and put on a show in the pool.
I went up to the falls with a Bride and Groom a couple of weeks ago and there was people and seals everywhere. One kid had even taken a ball up for them to play with.
Going to be interesting when these seals are great big and not scared of humans!
Guess they are kind of cute
Don’t think they had seen a Bride with a bouquet before
Kaikoura
Hi Andrew,
Called in at the Ohau Stream Falls on Sunday — about a dozen of the wee fellas there. I was first made aware of them about five years ago — I was heading south and a caller to my radio show told me about them. Frankly, I didn’t believe her until I saw them. Always call in each time I get back “home” to the south which is five or six times a year. Always sad when they have gone to sea and the pool, and stream, are empty. On Sunday, there were a couple right down at the foot of the stairs in the stream.
How long have you lived in Kaikoura? I have the ultimate Ron Jorgenson story.
Regards Allan Dick — back in Auckland
Hi Allan,
Seems like they are moving out for the spring. Only six at the falls when we called in a couple of days ago.
We’ve enjoyed Kaikoura for around 14 years but my partner’s family have a long history here and the Ron Jorgenson stories are legendary.
All the best Andrew
Hi we have been here a dozen times now and evrytime we go no seals?is this just bad timing? so when is the best time of year to see them?thanks alot Amanda
Hi There.
Winter is the best time, but it can be a bit hit and miss some times.
We visited theseamazing seal pups around Oct 18 2010 while caravanning in a delight spot in Goose Bay. There were around 20 playing in thew pool but hard to photograph because of poor light and they are Oh so quick !!
My partner visited in May 2010 and there would have been at least a hundred of them. I had to save a two year old little british boy who’s parents were taking photos and video and not really paying attention to their son when a 2foot long little seal who had been play fighting with his mates thought he would take the kid on with those sharp little teeth!
What an amazingly beautiful place, we still tell freinds about it and show the video.