Seal Colony Tauranga Bay

Tauranga Bay is a popular destination located at Cape Foulwind on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The bay is home to a large year-round fur seal colony that can be accessed via the Cape Foulwind Walkway. The walkway is a 3.4-kilometer (2.1-mile) one-way pathway that begins at the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse carpark and offers panoramic views of the mountains and coastline.

Visitors can observe the seals in their natural habitat from viewing platforms along the way and learn about their breeding habits and social structure from interpretive panels.

The walkway passes along the edge of an escarpment, undulating grazing pasture, a sandy beach, and granite cliffs. The cliffs of Cape Foulwind and the small offshore islands are roosting and breeding grounds for seabirds, including Australasian gannets, sooty shearwaters, fluttering shearwaters, and fairy prions. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the Tasman Sea and the surrounding landscape while walking along the path.

The Tauranga Bay Fur Seal Colony is a short walk from the carpark, and visitors can observe the seals from a safe distance. The colony is a breeding ground for New Zealand fur seals, and visitors can observe the seals' behavior, including their interactions with each other and their young. The seals are present year-round, and visitors can observe them in their natural habitat, basking in the sun or swimming in the ocean. Cape Foulwind was named by Captain Cook in 1770 when he encountered particularly nasty weather. However, the Cape is a pleasant place to visit, with a rich history and stunning natural beauty.

In addition to the seal colony and the lighthouse, there is a limestone quarry in the area, and a cement works operated nearby from 1958 to 2016. Overall, Tauranga Bay at Cape Foulwind is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The stunning views, the rich history, and the opportunity to observe New Zealand fur seals in their natural habitat make it a unique and unforgettable experience.