Photo: Resting New Zealand Sea Lion South Island

A New Zealand Sea Lion resting on the beach at Waipapa Point along the Catlin's Highway on the South Island of New Zealand.

After this New Zealand Sea Lion made it up onto the beach, he enjoys his time basking in the sun on the sandy beach at Waipapa Point on the South Island of New Zealand. Before relaxing his head against a pile of kelp, he covered up a majority of his body with the sand along the beach.

Blanketing himself with sand will protect his massive body from any extreme heat while resting under the sunny New Zealand sky. Barely showing through the sand are his large flippers that aid the New Zealand Sea Lion in swimming and maneuvering himself along the sand.

This desolate area along the beach at Waipapa Point on the South Island of New Zealand is very peaceful for the Sea Lion and any disturbance from humans could cause problems. If the Sea Lion feels threatened in any way, chances are you will lose out to this marine mammal as they are unbelievably strong. Even though he looks as though he is resting peacefully, the New Zealand Sea Lion is still very much aware of what is happening around him. ... continue below the picture...

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

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Along the South Island of New Zealand, there are colonies where the Hookers Sea Lions breed but they are considered to be one of the rarest and most endangered species of sea lions. If you come across a Sea Lion resting on the beach at Waipapa Point on the South Island of New Zealand, keep your distance and admire them from afar. Quickly take a few pictures for you scrapbook to say that you have encountered this rare New Zealand Sea Lion and quietly continue on your adventure.

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.