Around The World In 80 Waves

When I returned my surfboard to Kaikoura I asked about a waterfall that I had been told about over on the other other side of the island.

The surf shop staff confirmed that it exists, and that I should drive back along the coast road past the Mangamaunu break I had surfed in the morning, carrying on for a few kilometres more and then look out for a lay-by on the left just after a big bend in the road.

Again their directions were perfect but if you knew nothing about the place it would be so easy to miss or just ignore this little sign at the side of the road or the little lay-by where you can park up.

There are a couple of cars there but nothing to attract your attention. I get out of the van and follow the sign which directs you into the woods.

You then follow this innocuous little path up the hill and through the woods for a few hundred metres.

Nothing really exciting so far I know, but you keep pushing on over a couple wooden bridges that cross the Ohau Stream and continue up the path. 

Eventually you will come to this rather pretty waterfall. Before you go further click on this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAd6aO9O61Y

The temptation to read further must be great and I realise that at this point you are probably thinking what is so special about the waterfall? You know that I’ve seen Iguazu Falls in the middle of a rainforest.

However trust me when I say you should watch the video before reading on to see why it is so special. You will get the same impression I did when I walked around the last corner.

The waterfall’s plunge pool and all the surrounding area is littered with baby fur seals. They are everywhere and from what I gather  their parents have been told them to flop and slide all the way up the kilometre long stream from the sea shore to go and play in the waterfall area, which seems to be some sort of seal creche.

I cant tell you how much I wanted to run back down the hill in order to grab my wetsuit and dive into the middle of them in the pool. They are really inquisitive and come right up to you, and I’m dying to play with them, but don’t want to frighten them off.

There are too many threats to the young in the ocean from orcas and other predators so the young are sent inland where they are safe. However there are no duty adults in the stream or waterfall keeping an eye on things. There are just the pups.

They are in the water, you can see them climbing the freshwater stream, on the rock and are even in the trees! You are almost tripping over them. So cute!!!!! I stayed here for ages just watching them play. A magical place.