This application is notified under regulation 11(1) of the Marine Mammals Protection Regulations 1992. The Minister of Conservation has received an application for a material variation to a marine mammal permit for the remainder of the existing permit term, expiring on 31 December 2033.
Application details
Applicant: Clearwater Wildlife Tours
Application number: 107340-MAR
Location of proposed activity: Cape Saunders, Otago Peninsula including transport to/from locations around the Peninsula.
Permission type: Marine Mammal Protection Regulations Permit
Summary of proposal: Amendment to an existing shore-based permit for land-based commercial viewing of New Zealand fur seals and New Zealand sea lions at Cape Saunders on the Otago Peninsula. The application proposes up to 10 trips per day, up to 967 trips annually, up to 10 passengers per trip, and up to 6 vehicles operating at any one time.
Application documents:
How to make a submission
Any person or organisation may make a submission in writing to the Director-General on the proposal.
Submissions close at 11:59 pm on 18 August 2026.
1. Prepare your submission
Record what you think in the submission form.
2. Send us your submission
Send your submission by email or post. You'll get a confirmation email or letter when a submission has been received.
Email: askpermissions@doc.govt.nz
Subject Line: Submission on 107340-MAR
Post:
Director-General
Department of Conservation
C/- Dean Harliwich
Christchurch Shared Services
Private Bag 4715
Christchurch Mail Centre
Christchurch 8140
Once submitted, submitters' information is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 and may be released under that Act. If you wish to keep any part of your submission confidential, you need to state this in writing when making your submission.
Submissions are supplied to Clearwater Wildlife Tours. They can then comment on submissions.
What happens next
After submissions close:
- DOC will analyse and consider all submissions and comments on the submissions.
- DOC will make a recommendation to the Minister of Conservation.
- The Minister of Conservation will make a decision on the application.
Decision
No details at this point.
Contact
If you have a question about the application or the submission process you can contact Dean Harliwich, Permissions Advisor. Email: dharliwich@doc.govt.nz