Ohau Point Walkway

The Ohau Point Walkway is a short but spectacular coastal track that delivers big rewards for minimal effort. Perched on the rugged Kaikōura coastline, this walk offers front-row seats to New Zealand's most accessible fur seal colony, where dozens of seals laze on the rocks and surf just metres from the path. The roar of the Southern Ocean and the salty spray set the scene for a truly immersive nature experience.

Highlights & What to See

• New Zealand Fur Seal Colony – Watch seals basking, playing in rockpools, and surfing waves; pups are often seen in summer.
• Coastal Views – Panoramic vistas of the Kaikōura Peninsula, Seaward Kaikōura Range, and the endless Pacific.
• Whale Watching – The walkway overlooks the same waters where sperm whales and humpbacks are spotted; time your visit with a whale-watching tour for a double dose of marine life.
• Interpretive Signs – Learn about the local ecology, Māori history, and the story of the 2016 earthquake that reshaped this coastline.
• Photography Opportunities – Golden hour light on the seals and dramatic seascapes is a photographer's dream.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour for the Ohau Point Walkway itself — it's a short 1 km return walk on a well-formed track. Most visitors combine it with a stop at the nearby Ohau Point Seal Colony viewing platform. For a fuller experience, pair the walk with a half-day whale-watching tour or a drive north to the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light and fewer crowds.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Kaikōura Whale Watching – The town's signature activity; boat, helicopter, or plane tours run year-round.
• Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway – A longer coastal loop (about 2–3 hours) with seal colonies, seabird colonies, and dramatic cliff views.
• Fyffe House – Historic whaler's cottage in Kaikōura township, offering a glimpse into early European settlement.
• Kaikōura i-SITE – Stop for maps, local tips, and booking tours.
• Kaikōura Beaches – Relax on South Bay or the main beach after your walk.

Please check official sources for current details.