The New Zealand Fur Seals may appear big and cuddly, but that is until you see their teeth. Their bite can be one of the most infectious around. So the next time your in Kaikoura, where you can get up-close and personal, it might pay to keep a little distance. Be particularly careful not to block their escape route to the ocean.

New Zealand fur seals (Arctocephalus forsteri, or kekeno) are found around New Zealand and its offshore islands, and southern Australia. Their prey is fish, cephalopods such as squid and octopus, and crustacean including krill. Most dives last one or two minutes. Fur seals will forage up to 200 km beyond the continental slope, often diving as deep as 200 metres.