Located in Cape Foulwind area in the West Coast region
3.4 km one way
The busiest time for fur seals is November to February.
Cape Foulwind Walkway Image: Miles Holden ©
Cape Foulwind Walkway Image: Miles Holden ©
Cape Foulwind Walkway Image: Miles Holden ©
Cape Foulwind Walkway Image: Miles Holden ©
Cape Foulwind Walkway Image: Miles Holden ©
Cape Foulwind Walkway Image: Miles Holden ©
New Zealand fur seal/kekeno Image: Sabine Bernert ©
Time: 15 min
Distance: 500 m
Cape Foulwind short walk takes you from Tauranga Bay along a rocky headland to a viewpoint overlooking a New Zealand fur seal breeding colony.
Panels along the track tell stories of Māori history, sea voyages and early explorers.
Time: 1 hr
Distance: 2.9 km
From the seal colony, a longer walking track leads to Cape Foulwind lighthouse.
Return the same way or arrange transport from Cape Foulwind car park.
The nearest town is Westport (16 km).
To get to Tauranga Bay, follow SH67A Cape Foulwind Road for approximately 11 km and turn left onto Tauranga Bay Road and follow for another 5 km. When you get to the Tauranga Bay Stop Sign, turn right and follow the road until you reach the Seal Colony Carpark.
The longer option can also be accessed from the Cape Foulwind lighthouse car park (northern end).
Elevation change: +/- 70 m
Ensure you take:
The seal breeding season from November to February is the busiest time of year for New Zealand fur seal/kekeno.
Cape Foulwind was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 after his vessel was blown off course by the prevailing westerly winds.
Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 731 1895 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | paparoavc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
Postal Address: |
4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
Full office details |