New Zealand Sea Lions Beach Tanning Southland New Zealand
Photo & Vacation Spot

Two New Zealand Sea Lions or Hookers Sea Lions, spend a portion of their day tanning on the beach at Waipapa Point in Southland, New Zealand. Before settling down, the Sea Lions must protect themselves from the sun by tossing sand onto their bodies.

Tanning on the beach at Waipapa Point in the Catlins in Southland, New Zealand, is known to be a favorite activity for the New Zealand Sea Lions which they are often seen doing. After emerging from the water at low tide, the New Zealand Sea Lions will haul themselves out onto the beach for a few hours of tanning.

Once they find a comfortable place on the beach, the Sea Lions will use their massive flippers to cover up a good portion of their body with sand. This is a natural characteristic of the New Zealand Sea Lions as it protects their body from any excessive heat during the summer months.

As tempting as it may be for visitors to Waipapa Point to approach these tanning animals for a closer look, the New Zealand Sea Lions prefer their privacy and can become very aggressive.

New Zealand Sea Lions (also known as Hooker's Sea Lions), Phocarctos hookeri, along the beach at Waipapa Point in the Catlins along the Catlin's Highway, Southern Scenic Route, Southland, South Island, East Coast, New Zealand.