Ohau Point Lookout is a great place to stop. Imagine this - you'r driving down the road, a scenic coastal highway. Then, there's a sizeable parking lot on the side of the road. There's no buildings around, just the parking lot. You pull over, get out of the car and have a look out toward the ocean. Seals! Lots of them, and you're closer than you'd think you'd get to them. This is a great place to stop. You'll get a good view of the seals. They're far enough below you that people don't interfere with them, but they're close enough that you can get a pretty good look at them. This was a pleasant surprise, and the highlight of our day driving from Blenheim to Christchurch. If you are making that drive, do yourself a favor and spend a few minutes here. You'll be glad you did. read more

I'd read and heard about his overlook, but it sneaks up on you as you drive north from kaikoura. It's maybe 15 minutes north, there's a pretty long pull-out area on the coast side of the 1, but no real parking lot. A little further north is the lot for the walking trail. From the overlook you can look down at the seals on the rocks, including a bunch of pups. There are 2 overlooks spots looking down at 2 different sets of rocks. There's also giant seaweed in the ocean by the rocks and you can see the seals playing in that. You an see the seals from the road, and this can be a very quick stop to look or take a few pictures, then jump back in the car. There isn't anywhere to walk from this shoulder area, it doesn't link up with the waterfall walking trail. read more