Kelp on rocks at Cannibal Bay, The Catlins, Otago

Cannibal Bay owes its name to a case of mistaken identity, when human bones found protruding from dunes above the beach by geologist Dr James Hector were thought to be evidence for cannibalism in the area. It was only later, after the name Cannibal Bay was formalised, that it was realised that the bones were in fact from ancient Maori burial sites and were unlikely to have had anything to do with cannibalism.

The sedimentary rock formations at Cannibal Bay are spectacular, forming dramatic cliffs and stacks that are heavily coated with chalky-white lichens. This hard bedrock also forms shore platforms at each end of the bay, which are festooned with huge masses of colourful kelp that lie exposed at low tide, making for interesting photographs when conditions are right.

Cannibal Bay is also becoming increasingly well-known for its growing population of New Zealand (or Hooker’s) sea lions, which are recovering strongly now after being almost wiped out by early sealing operations in the area.