Cannibal Bay, South Island, New Zealand

4Rantin rover 5:00 PM Sep 11, 2020

Rare mammals in the wild
We were coming east from Kaka Point and took the first sign post we saw for Cannibal Bay (however we're not sure why the Ahuriri Flat Road prior to this was not signposted as this would have been a quicker route). The road is unsealed, narrow and winding at times and has a few potholes. It's 8km long and it's the same route back so not one I'd recommend for driving in a campervan. We parked in a clearing amongst shrubs and it's a short walk from there to the beach. A fellow visitor who was leaving told us to watch out for a sleeping seal or sea lion which was amongst the grass right next to the path and sure enough we came upon it. Fortunately it didn't awake and we were able to get past. The sandy beach stretches for some distance and if you have the time there is a path at the far end which leads overland to Surat Bay (about 1 hour return according to the DOC sign). Both these bays are known as a popular place for small groups of New Zealand sea lions, the rarest of the six surviving species found in the world. There was a "fresh sea breeze" so no chance of lingering or sunbathing, or so we thought. However by chance we spotted a group of twelve seal lions lying on the sand half way along the beach - males and females. Our initial delight was slightly dampened by the sight of a couple of people with a dog on a lead venturing quite close to the group. I was surprised that dogs were permitted on the beach at all (they are provided they are kept on a lead). As we observed from a distance the same two women were unaware that another sea lion was coming from the sea to join the group, with them and the dog in between. They eventually realised and moved aside. The beach was otherwise deserted and we were able to get some photos before heading briskly back to the car to get shelter. Our "friend" was still amongst the grass when we returned oblivious to all. A good opportunity to see rare mammals in the wild if you are visiting this part of the world.

5David M 5:00 PM Feb 22, 2021

A place not to be missed
Do not be put off by the road into the Bay the end result is worth the slow drive. Where else can you walk on a beach sharing it with Seals Sea lions Oyster Catchers and Mollymawks. If you are a reasonable walker you could do the walk from Cannibal bay to Surat Bay over the neck about 1 Km It would be an experience not to be missed. If you could arrange it you could walk out via Surat bay and be collected there. Or just leave Surat Bay for another day and another great experience