Luxury accommodation New Zealand in a private hotel Dunedin, Otago

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New Zealand Fur Sea

Brought nearly to extinction in the mid-1800’s from hunting by Maori and Europeans, the New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) has been protected since 1890 and is now believed to number over 50,000. The South Island, and its many offshore and sub-antarctic islands, is their breeding ground, however they now range as far north as the Coromandel in winter.











They have pointed noses, long whiskers, and two layers of dark brown fur. They prefer rocky shores and can move quite quickly on land. Males fight for breeding territories, and breeding generally occurs in November, about one week after females have given birth. Female seals may nurse their single pup for up to 11 months. They feed on squid, octopus and fish.

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