Nelson Region

Where to Find Them

Golden Bay is the standout spot. Wharariki Beach has seal pups in the rock pools among the caves and arches, and honestly they are a live circus. Time it for low tide if you can - you'll get into way more nooks and the chances of finding pups go way up. The advice I'd give is don't just head right when you arrive. Turn left too, that's where the pups tend to hang out.

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Pick Your Day

Wharariki can blow like a bastard, so if you've got a couple of days in Golden Bay, save this one for the calmest day. Walking into a headwind with sand pelting your face is not the vibe. Over in the Abel Tasman, seals turn up on the northern side of Adele Island and around the Fishermans Island area - worth knowing if you're already out on the water kayaking or doing a day trip. Mid March to mid May is a good window for that, when the sea is calmer and the pups have grown up a bit.