Matakaea Reserve
#Do - The short detour to see the New Zealand fur seal, kekeno, at the Matakaea Reserve (Shag Point). Only 5 minutes drive off State Highway 1 to the Reserve carpark, I did the short walk to the viewing area on my way to Waimate yesterday. The NZ fur seal almost became extinct in the 1800s after they were hunted for their meat and pelts by the European sealers, and their numbers are recovering, especially after becoming fully protected in 1978. Fun to see so many just chilling out on the rocks, and with stunning coastline views, it’s a great side trip on the journey north.
