We had been given some inside information with regards to a hidden gem just up the coast from Kaikoura, 20 minutes drive north, to a small place called Okahu, where we were told you could view baby fur seals swimming in a river…… hmmm we thought, so with a bit of time to spare before we headed further south to start our three day coastal hike, we headed up there to explore.

As you follow state highway one along the coast, running parallel to the railway track, you wind your way northwards along breathtaking ocean scenery, eventually passing two crayfish selling caravans. You will pass, on your right hand side, a sign signaling a seal lookout point over the ocean where you can admire the seals lounging on their rocky outcrops. This, however, is not where you need to stop. Follow the coastal road for about another five minutes and, as it bears left and heads slightly downwards, you will notice a sign informing you to slow to 55mph for the bend. At this point you will notice two small gravel parking areas on either side of the road. Park your car here behind the sign.

From here we entered through a small opening into the forest where you can hear the sound of gentle water trickling down towards the ocean. Here we caught our first view of the seal pups frolicking in the fresh water. Slick and agile they were swiftly moving upstream in the clear water. I was extremely excited at this point, to see these five seal pups up close! The path leads you upwards parallel to the rocky stream, the view of which is obscured for the majority of the time by the trees and undergrowth. You can however, climb down the banks to the stream itself and get up close and personal with the small pups. Squatting down at their level, you will find that they will curiously approach you, although you can´t, tempting as it maybe, actually touch them. As you sit by the babbling stream you can hear the sounds of them calling to each other, and as you glance upstream through the rocks, you can see others playing in the shallow water.

We continued on the path further reaching, after about five minutes, a small, yet deep pond, at the foot of a waterfall, surrounded by steep tree covered banks. It was certainly a sight to remember! There must have been at least forty seal pups swimming, jumping and playing in the water, making it look like a bubbling jacuzzi! The barking between them was noisy as others lazed around on the surrounding rocks scratching and yawning. They all looked to be around the same age, sliding off wet rocks into the water as their mothers hunted in the ocean at the end of the flowing stream. It was such a wonderful thing to witness, wide, watering eyes watching you with curiosity and not a hint of fear. Considering that this is a ´free´attraction, it is definitely worth seeing if you are in the vicinity!

As we ambled back down the track, we decided to stop on our way back towards Kaikoura at one of the crayfish caravans and taste some of the fresh shellfish on offer. Crayfish are abundant along this coastline and so are on almost every menu of cafes and restaurants in the area.  At our stop, Nins Bin, we were shown a small selection of pre-cooked crayfish caught fresh this morning. On selecting ours, and having it sliced in half for us and dressed with lemon juice, we stood by the caravan window and watched the azure ocean and occasional seal and enjoyed the fresh, juicy meat of this common and tasty delicacy……….yummy!!!