New Zealand Sea-Lion / Whakahao (Phocarctos hookeri)

New Zealand Sea-Lions were present all around the NZ coastline until hunting by maori and European sealers forced them to the brink of extinction. Official protection since 1893 has lead to a dramatic recovery of their population in NZ.

The NZ Sea-Lion is the rarest of the 5 species of sea lion and endemic to NZ. We take you within 10 metres of these wonderful animals that have no fear of man. We advise that you don't turn your back to them as they are very quick over land but only in small bursts. We see them as they relaxing and playing before they go fishing in the evening.

Bulls weigh up to 500kg (brown/black) and females (creamy/silver) up to 160kg. Young males are often mistaken for females because of their smaller size and colour. The males can measure 3 meters in length with long hair on their necks and shoulders forming a mane similar to a lion.