Tauranga Bay Seal Colony & Lighthouse Walk — A West Coast Wildlife Experience

If you’re looking for one of the most scenic short walks on the West Coast — with the added bonus of wildlife viewing — Tauranga Bay is a must-visit during your stay at Bird’s Ferry Lodge.

Just a short drive from the Lodge, Tauranga Bay offers spectacular coastal scenery, a thriving New Zealand fur seal colony, and an easy clifftop walkway leading to the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse.

The Tauranga Bay Seal Colony

The seal colony is one of the most accessible wildlife experiences on the West Coast. From the car park, a short paved path leads you to a viewing platform overlooking the rocky coastline. Here, you’ll often see New Zealand fur seals (kekeno) lounging on the rocks, swimming in the sea, or playing in sheltered rock pools.

Breeding season is from November to February, so if you’re visiting in summer you may be lucky enough to spot seal pups too.

Bring your binoculars and take your time — there’s always something happening in the colony, especially on a sunny afternoon.

The Cape Foulwind Walkway

For those keen to stretch their legs, the clifftop walkway from Tauranga Bay to the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse is a West Coast highlight. This easy 3.4km (one-way) track offers sweeping views of the coastline, native vegetation, and the wild Tasman Sea.

The walk takes around 1 to 1.5 hours each way, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos, and trust us, you’ll want to stop often!

At the end of the walkway sits the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse — a picture-perfect spot for taking in the views and imagining the early maritime history of this rugged coastline.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes

• A windproof jacket (this is the West Coast after all!)

• Binoculars for seal spotting

• Your camera

• A picnic or snacks, here are picnic tables along the way

How to Get There

Tauranga Bay is just a 15-minute drive from Bird’s Ferry Lodge, making it an ideal half-day adventure for our guests. The area is well signposted from Westport, and there is plenty of parking available.

Many of our guests enjoy combining a visit to Tauranga Bay with lunch or coffee in Westport or a stop at the nearby Denniston Plateau for a glimpse into the region’s coal mining history.

Return to Comfort

After your coastal adventure, return to the peace and quiet of Bird’s Ferry Lodge. Relax in the hot tub, sip a glass of local wine, and watch the sun dip behind the hills — knowing you’ve experienced a little more of what makes the West Coast so special.