📍 Sandymount
📍 Address: Sandymount 9077, New Zealand
🌐 Website: doc.govt.nz
People are advised to strictly adhere to the regulations and refrain from going to the WEST side of the beach to avoid disturbing the penguins as they return to their nests. Sea lions are often present on the beach, pls maintain a distance of at least 10m and do not disturb their rest.
During our trip this was the best ever place to see seals! You need to walk down at least 30 mins in the sands -- phisically demanding for elderly and small kids If you can manage the hiking, this will be your best memory of NZ'S wild lifes.
Stunning views, but a little bit challenging to get down to the beach as the trail is primarily covered in sand and kind of steep. Not for the faint of heart! Be sure to wear good footwear and bring some water for the trek back up.
Great place to visit! You can see wild sea lions with a nice view. Easy to get there, though to come up again.
It's definitely worth the pain going down all the way to the beach, saw about 26 sea lions sleeping and walking. This NZ sea lions are endemic to this area and they are endangered. They are also unique, can only be found in Otago peninsula. Recommended to wear eye glasses and jacket as it's very windy, the sand gets stirred by the wind. Need to be fit enough to climb up and down the track among the sand dunes. It takes 15-20mins to walk back up. There's another place up north called Shag Point with a dedicated track to view NZ Fur Seals, they look very similar to sea lions. This track is definitely easier, just 5mins, but it can be very, very windy. No toilet, about 20 carparks. The drive from town is neither easy nor difficult, going through windy road along the cliff.
Amazing beach that is beautiful and quiet. We went in the late afternoon to watch the seals come in and were lucky enough to see a penguin!! We sat on the edge of the exclusion zone for maybe half an hour waiting to see if he had friends but we probably scared them off ☹
I'm literally in love with this beach. It is truly wonderful. The first time we went there was this summer and in addition to the sea lions sleeping on the sand, we had the chance to spot two yellow-eyed penguins at dawn! We visited it again a few days ago, in July, and even though we didn't see any penguin, there was PLENTY of sea lions (being really active!!). It takes less than 5 minutes to get to the lookout, and maybe 10 to reach the beach. A bit longer to come back to the carpark as you have to climb the dunes. There's a pretty big carpark at the trailhead, where self-contained vehicles can park overnight. It's absolutely quiet, apart from the sound of the waves. The carpark is slightly sloped though.
Amazing place to visit the views are incredible, try to visit at low tide as it is much more spectacular. Saw lots of sea lions and there arw fur seals at the far end of the beach in the rocks. Didn't see any penguins but there are signs of them, if you want to see them would recommend visiting dusk / dawn. Steep and sandy walk down so just be careful.
An absolute gem for wildlife! The beach itself is a spectacular to look at when looking from above - the viewpoint. If you decide to go down to the actual beach, it is a sandy path that can be steep at times. Be mindful of the time and season and keep penguin's habits in mind. Saw a ton of sea lions playing on the beach a, going in and out of water and snoozing. Respect the animals and their space as they are faster then many expect.
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