Marine birds and mammals at Kaikoura

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The Kaikoura peninsula (42¡25' S. 173¡42' E.) and neighbouring coastline are a centre of attraction for marine birds and mammals on the north-east coast of New Zealand's South Island. The area is noted for its resident sea birds, including flocks of 6000-8000 red-billed gulls and almost as many white-fronted terns. Large flocks of spotted shags, fluttering shearwaters and other non-breeding species appear regularly off-shore. There is a rapidly growing population of New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri), and schools of dolphins are frequently visible within one or two miles of the shore. No other area within fifty miles of the peninsula, on either side, so consistently attracts large concentrations of marine birds and mammals.