However, Department of Conservation (Doc) biodiversity ranger Jim Fyfe said there were concerns off-leash dogs posed a greater threat to the newborn marine mammals in the area than cars.
Once the pups were about a week old, their mothers would cross the drive on their way to sea to forage and feed the 9kg-12kg pups.
The pups would be left alone and vulnerable — and off-leash dogs posed a serious threat, he said.
‘‘One of the discussion points at the moment is, summer rangers have noticed that dog owners are more likely to have their dogs on leads when there are cars around,’’ Mr Fyfe said.
‘‘It’s all trade-offs.’’
An adult male sea lion was killed this summer after it was struck by a car near Smaills Beach. Drivers have been asked to take care on any coastal roads.
But rather than closing the road to vehicles, dog owners would be required to keep dogs on leads, Mr Fyfe said.
The Dunedin City Council made international news two years ago when it closed a section of John Wilson Ocean Dr to give space to an adult female, known as Hiriwa, and her newborn pup.
This year, the council said owners of off-leash dogs in the area could face $300 fines.
Her latest offspring was born on January 2, but not before Doc staff ‘‘shepherded’’ the animal back to the golf course after she ventured across Tahuna Rd near Tainui School.
Hiriwa was ushered back to the golf course on the morning of New Year’s Eve before having her pup.
A 4-year-old female named Mika had pupped at the golf course as well, not far from John Wilson Ocean Dr, Mr Fyfe said.
Compared to Hiriwa, Mika was an inexperienced breeder.
Her one previous pup had been hit and killed by a car at Papanui Inlet in the winter of 2022, he said.
Nine pups had been recorded in the Dunedin region this breeding season, which extends from late December to later this month.
A 10th pup was imminent in Warrington, Mr Fyfe said.
About 25 pups are expected over the coming weeks in the Dunedin area, from Warrington to Taieri Mouth.
