Ōhau Point

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Ōhau Point

point

Ōhau Point is a rocky promontory on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand, about 25 km north of Kaikōura. Travelers come mainly to see the large New Zealand fur seal colony from a safe roadside lookout.

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Ōhau Point essentials

Address: Ōhau Point, Kaikōura District, Canterbury Region, New Zealand

Ōhau Point is a 180 metre-high bluff on the Kaikōura coast where State Highway 1 and the South Island Main Trunk railway run close to the shore. The point is best known for its breeding colony of New Zealand fur seals, which occupy the rocks below the cliff and are visible from a public viewing area on the highway.

The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake caused large landslides at Ōhau Point that damaged the original breeding areas and the waterfall pool, and blocked road and rail routes. Transport corridors were repaired and realigned, and a lower-level road, seawall and a new parking area and lookout opened in 2018 to give safer access for visitors and to reduce impacts on wildlife.

Ōhau Point also supports other coastal wildlife such as a spotted shag colony and a tiny endemic plant, the Ōhau rock daisy, which was severely reduced by the 2016 slips and is now the focus of local conservation work. Visiting feels immediate and roadside rather than a long walk-in experience, and seasonal changes and weather strongly affect what you can see.

  • New Zealand fur seal colony: A large, easily viewed colony of fur seals on the rocks below the point, best seen from the SH 1 lookout and parking area.
  • Roadside lookout and parking: A purpose-built viewing area and small car park on State Highway 1 provide close but safe views of the seals and coastline.
  • Ōhau Stream and waterfall site: The waterfall and stream at the point are still part of the landscape after the 2016 slips, though the famous pool was destroyed and shore access is restricted.
  • Coastal cliffs and spotted shags: Steep bluffs and rocky shelves host breeding spotted shags and offer classic Kaikōura coastal scenery.
  • Road and rail engineering: The rebuilt lower road, seawall and nearby Tunnel 19 illustrate recent coastal repair and realignment work after the 2016 earthquake.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ōhau Point#

Ōhau Point has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool, wetter winters; wildlife viewing is best when seals are most active in warmer months. Rain is possible year-round, so plan with flexibility.

Summer (best)
December - February · 11°C - 20°C (52°F - 68°F)
Warmer, longer days make summer the most pleasant time to visit and a good period for active seal behaviour and watching marine life from the lookout.
Winter (quieter)
June - August · 4°C - 11°C (39°F - 52°F)
Cooler and wetter with more frequent rain; fewer visitors mean quieter viewing but bring waterproofs and expect choppy seas.
Shoulder months
March - May and September - November · 6°C - 19°C (43°F - 66°F)
Variable conditions and moderate visitor numbers; these months can offer good light for photography and lively wildlife activity between weather fronts.

Weather & Climate near Ōhau Point#

Climate

Ōhau Point's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (928 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 24 Good
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
33°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 13° - 20° 16° 48 mm partly cloudy 68% 5.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 14.7h
February Very Good 13° - 20° 16° 64 mm partly cloudy 70% 5.2 m/s 2.0 very high 13.6h
March Good 12° - 19° 15° 93 mm partly cloudy 75% 5.2 m/s 1.3 high 12.2h
April Good 9° - 16° 13° 73 mm partly cloudy 81% 5.6 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.8h
May Good 7° - 13° 10° 80 mm partly cloudy 86% 5.2 m/s 0.3 low 9.6h
June Acceptable 5° - 11° 5° 94 mm partly cloudy 89% 5.3 m/s 0.2 low 8.9h
July Acceptable 5° - 10° 4° 97 mm partly cloudy 89% 5.0 m/s 0.2 low 9.2h
August Acceptable 5° - 11° 5° 96 mm partly cloudy 87% 4.9 m/s 0.4 low 10.3h
September Good 7° - 13° 7° 61 mm partly cloudy 83% 5.6 m/s 0.7 moderate 11.7h
October Good 8° - 15° 12° 78 mm partly cloudy 80% 6.0 m/s 1.2 high 13.1h
November Good 9° - 17° 13° 82 mm partly cloudy 76% 6.0 m/s 1.8 very high 14.4h
December Very Good 11° - 19° 15° 62 mm partly cloudy 73% 5.6 m/s 2.2 extreme 15.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ōhau Point#

Ōhau Point is about 25 km north of the town of Kaikōura; the nearest major airport is Christchurch Airport and the nearest railway access is Kaikōura station on the Main North Line. State Highway 1 runs past the point and includes a small parking area and lookout where you can stop.

Most visitors arrive by car from Kaikōura or as part of a coastal drive; taxis or organized tours from Kaikōura can cover the short transfer. The lookout is right off SH 1 but check local conditions and signage before stopping, as space is limited and access rules around the seal sanctuary restrict shoreline entry.

Tips for Visiting Ōhau Point#

  • Keep a respectful distance from all seals and follow signage; do not approach or attempt to feed them.
  • Shoreline access between Ōhau Stream and the main colony is restricted under the local sanctuary, so view from the designated lookout.
  • Bring binoculars and a telephoto lens for closer viewing while staying on the roadside platform.
  • Parking is limited and the site is directly on SH 1, so take care when stopping and use the official bay.
  • Weather can change quickly on the coast; wear windproof clothing and sturdy shoes if you plan to walk short sections.