Something I have tried to do for
over six years traveling around New Zealand is to get to Kaikoura
during the time the young seals can be found in the waterfall pool
north of Kaikoura.
This waterfall is a ten minute walk from the parking area.
The very rocky and shallow stream coming from it to the ocean has to be
an ordeal for young fur seals to negotiate.
Yet, having finally made it there this year, I found over ten seals
cavorting like crazy in the pool.
I have no idea how they feed except to go back to the ocean every
night??? Nothing in a fresh water pool will feed a seal.
I assume these are last year's pups since a young seal stays with the
mother from birth until she is ready to have another the following year
at which time she drives the yearling off.
They didn't seem too disturbed by being left to fend for themselves
acting more like the unruly teenagers they were.
and wonder how they first discovered the pool??? I have been told by
locals this has gone on for years.
Here are some photos I took:
The walk back to the waterfall
They are friendly
A pool monster
