Tauranga Bay Seal Colony

One of New Zealand’s most accessible seal colonies can be found just out of Westport on the edge of Tauranga Bay. The 10 -minute track from the car park is suitable for wheelchairs and leads to viewing platforms directly overlooking the colony. Although this is a year-round colony, the best time to view is October to March when the BIG BULL SEALS return to mate and the pups are at their most playful.

The full track on to Cape Foulwind takes one-and-a-half hours (three hours return) and is well graded as it crosses rocky granite bluffs, grassy downs, swampy streams and sandy beaches. Be sure to take good windproof clothing if it’s windy. The walk offers panoramic views of the cape and rugged coastline including rock stacks and steeples. A side track leads to Cape Foulwind lighthouse.