Cannibal Bay

Sea Lions and Seclusion: Discover Cannibal Bay

08 NOVEMBER 2023
Updated 8 MAY 2025

Cannibal Bay is one of those wild, unspoiled places where nature is in charge. Remote, windswept, and rugged - it's definitely not a beach for lounging under the sun or swimming in clear, calm waters. Instead, it feels like an untouched corner of the world where the beach is framed by steep, rugged cliffs with lush green headlands. There are no cafes or mass tourism here, just the beach and the wild coastline stretching out in every direction.

The bay’s eerie name comes from human remains discovered in the area, thought to be from a Moori battle long ago. But despite the name, there’s nothing ominous about this place!

The real reason most people visit Cannibal Bay is to see the sea lions and although it's never promised, if you’re lucky enough there will be some when you visit!

What's in this guide

Where is Cannibal Bay?
How to Get There
Wildlife & Breeding Season at Cannibal Bay
Tips for Visiting
Nearby Spots to Explore

Where is Cannibal Bay?

Cannibal Bay is tucked away on the wild and rugged coastline of the Catlins, in the southeastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island. It sits between Nugget Point and Surat Bay and is just a short 20 min drive from the small township of Owaka.

How to get to Cannibal Bay

To get there, head north from Owaka, then turn onto Cannibal Bay Road — a narrow, unsealed gravel road that winds through rolling farmland and eventually leads you straight to the coast. The gravel road is about 8 km long and can be tight in places, especially around corners, but it’s usually fine for most vehicles if you drive slowly and carefully.

There’s no public transport to Cannibal Bay, so you’ll need your own vehicle to visit.

You can also walk along the track from Surat Bay which takes 1 hour return.

Wildlife & Breeding Season at Cannibal Bay

You’ll often spot New Zealand sea lions here and occasionally a fur seal too. If you're visiting in the warmer months, you're more likely to see them around. Sea lions are the main ones you'll come across. We've seen them coming in from the ocean looking absolutely exhausted, laying in the sand and even saw 2 bulls fighting. Breeding season for sea lions runs from October to December and pups are born around November. During this time, bulls can be aggressive as they defend their space, so keep at least 20 metres away and give them room to move freely, especially to and from the ocean. They can move fast and my oh my grandma, what big teeth you have!!

You might also see New Zealand fur seals, though they’re more likely to be on the rocks. They're smaller than sea lions and your best chance of spotting them is during their breeding season from November to January.

If you're heading across to Surat Bay from Cannibal Bay, just keep an eye out for any sea lions hiding in the long grass - stick to the track!

When we visited Cannibal Bay, we saw a few sea lions including one that had just come ashore — probably a female. She looked exhausted, stopping every couple of metres on her way up the beach to flop down in the sand. Sea lions can spend hours, sometimes a full day, swimming out at sea to feed so it was no wonder she was so exhausted!

Penguins are very unlikely to be seen at Cannibal Bay, so if you're hoping to spot them, it's best to try elsewhere in the Catlins like Roaring Bay. In saying that, the number of penguins is so low now that spotting them is extremely rare! You will have more luck seeing them in Dunedin, Oamaru or Timaru.

Tips for Visiting Cannibal Bay

Respect the wildlife: Always stay at least 20 meters away from sea lions and seals. Never block their path to the ocean, as they need to move freely. These animals can be aggressive, especially when they feel threatened, so keeping your distance is essential.
Check the weather: The weather in the Catlins can change rapidly, so be prepared for wind, rain or sun (or all 3!). Bring layers to stay comfortable and always check the forecast before heading out. I recommend checking Metservice or yr.no for the weather.
Bring food and water: There are no cafes or food facilities at Cannibal Bay, so bring your own food and plenty of water. The closest food places are in Owaka, 20 mins away. Just remember to take all your rubbish with you!
Take it slow on the road: The gravel road into Cannibal Bay is narrow and winding so take it easy, especially around corners.
Toilets are available: There’s a basic toilet at the car park — no other facilities though, so bring whatever else you’ll need with you.
Watch where you step: Sea lions and seals can blend right into the sand. Scan the beach before walking near anything that looks like a driftwood log or boulder — it might move!
Leave no trace: Cannibal Bay is untouched and beautiful — help keep it that way by taking all rubbish with you and avoiding disturbing dunes or wildlife.
Plan your timing for wildlife: If you want to see sea lions or seals, visiting during the breeding seasons (October to December for sea lions and November to January for fur seals) will give you the best chance. However, sightings are never guaranteed as they are wild animals. We have seen them in the months of May and July, so it's just luck of the draw.
No swimming: The beach is beautiful but not suitable for swimming due to strong currents and rough surf.
Keep an eye out in the grass: If you're walking to Surat Bay from Cannibal Bay, keep an eye out for any sea lions in the grass along your way. You may have to turn back if there is one blocking your path and I wouldn't recommend straying from the path to go around any.
Bring a camera: With its rugged coastline and wildlife, you'd be silly not to bring your camera to capture the beauty of this remote and wild place!
Walk to Surat Bay: There is a track between Cannibal Bay and Surat Bay along the False Islet Reserve, at the right-hand side of the beach and it takes 30 mins to reach Surat Bay. It's easy to see where the track is once you get to the other side of the beach, just keep a look out for any sea lions hiding in the grass!

Nearby Spots to Explore

If you’ve made it all the way to Cannibal Bay, don’t stop there! Here are a few more spots nearby that are well worth checking out:

Surat Bay – Right next door and another great place to spot sea lions.
Nugget Point Lighthouse – One of the most iconic sights in the Catlins, with panoramic ocean views and the chance to spot penguins and seals from above.
Roaring Bay – Just below Nugget Point, this is a known spot to (hopefully) glimpse rare yellow-eyed penguins from the viewing hide, although over the years the penguin numbers have been declining and as of 2025 there are only 2 penguins that are rarely seen there.
Purakaunui Falls – One of the most photographed waterfalls in New Zealand, just a 30 min drive away and an easy walk.

Planning to explore more of the region? Check out our guides to: