Pakake, New Zealand sea lion, are one of the rarest sea lion species in the world and are endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand. Although Patake were once hunted to near oblivion and disappeared entirely from mainland Aotearoa, they started returning three decades ago to breed in some coastlines in the far south of New Zealand.
Pakake is the Māori word in the dialect of Māori in the Ōtepoti region for New Zealand sea lion. Whakahao for the male of this species, and kake for the female.
Whakahao, New Zealand sea lion - adult male
Although Pakake are nationally vulnerable, in the past few years they have become quite common around Dunedin beaches. They go about their business and often get up to mischief looking for a quiet spot to relax. They have been visiting front lawns and even hanging out on a front porch for a few days.
Mama kake, NZ sea lion, can be found in our ‘Wildlife of Aotearoa’ collection, here at Blankwallnz.nz and is available as a framed art or on canvas, in several sizes up to A1 (roughly 600-900mm).
Wildlife visitor etiquette
If you are lucky enough to visit Ōtepoti Dunedin, do check out the sea lions, but be sure to learn your visitor etiquette. Pakake are wild animals, they are huge, their teeth are huge, and they are surprisingly fast on land. So be sure to stay well back and allow them their rest and chill out time.
- Stay 20 metres back
- Back away slowly
- Do not disturb - no yelling or projectiles
- Keep dogs on a lead
If you want photos:
- Go in summertime
- Take your long lens
- Dress warm (I mean it might be sunny ... but probably not for long!)
- Be prepared to be patient
- Plan to go back another day if you don't get the shot
- Stay aware of your surrounds, especially of you are absorbed in your photography, males sea lions can approach fast from the water (and sitting or lying down you probably look like a kake ...)
- That said, enjoy the beach and this amazing natural wonder.
