Photo: New Zealand Sea Lion

After a swim in the water, a New Zealand Sea Lion heads up the beach at Waipapa Point in the Catlins on the South Island of New Zealand.

Checking out the scene around him, this New Zealand Sea Lion hauls himself out of the water over the lime green mossed covered rocks and gushy beach. His shiny, wet coat glistens in the sunlight as he stands on alert to make sure there is no danger around the shores.

The tide has just gone out which leaves the rocky coastline at Waipapa Point open space for the New Zealand Sea Lion to take a break and catch some rays. The rocky land of Waipapa Point juts out into the water and is a very isolated location which is why this New Zealand Sea Lion wonders why we are out there with him.

The adult male can weigh up to 450 kilograms with the female only being around 160 kilograms. The difference in size is very noticeable but the males are the ones that need the fighting power to claim their territory before the females come ashore.

There are many breeding colonies around the coastline of the South Island of New Zealand where you can view the New Zealand Sea Lions in their natural environment. ... continue below the picture...

This picture is part of the photo album "Animal Pictures" - there are more beautiful images waiting for you.

... Do not approach too close as these mammals are extremely strong and they watch you like a hawk as you can see by this picture.

New Zealand Sea Lion (also known as Hooker's Sea Lion), 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.