Few wildlife experiences in New Zealand are as accessible as the Tauranga Bay Seal Colony, just fifteen minutes from Westport. From the car park, a gentle track hugs the cliffs and leads to viewing platforms overlooking the rocks below, where dozens of New Zealand fur seals bask in the sun.

Between October and March, tiny seal pups can often be seen playing in the tidal pools while adults laze nearby, unbothered by onlookers. The sound of waves, the salt air and the sheer drama of the cliffs make this a place that lingers in memory.

Combine your visit with a walk to the Cape Foulwind Lighthouse, where the track offers panoramic views over the Tasman Sea, or enjoy a picnic at Tauranga Bay Beach before returning to the calm and comfort of Birds Ferry Lodge.