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Saturday 21 Feb 2009
A lot of activities since the last blog from Wellington which I wrote on the crossing to the South Island. We had great time in Picton (see photos) , and did a walk on the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Went on to Kaikora, through stormy wet weather, but thankfully the sun returned and on Sat 14 we went Whale watching. The first trip of the day was cancelled because of the choppy seas, but the 10.00a.m. one we were booked on went, with a weather warning. We took pills, but everyone was fine, it wasn't too choppy and we saw the sperm whales and two Orca whales. It was truly awesome. Next day we walked around Kaikora Peninsula in brilliant sunshine. We walked out along the headland and back along the beach, avoiding the seals as we did so. Fantastic.
Monday 16 saw us setting off for Christchurch. Again the weather was wet, but happily we awoke on Tuesday 17 Feb to clear blue skies for our Tranz-Scenic Alpine journey from Christchuch to Greymouth, over on the west coast and back again. This is one of the great train journeys of the world, and it lived up to expectations. Wonderful scenery.
Wed 18 Feb We drove to the Akaroa Peninsula from Christchuch. It was well worth the trip. A lovely small town, lovely little shops and coffee houses, but best of all we took a boat trip to see the hector dolphins who duly performed for us, and jumped out of the water right by the boat where I was standing - I was so thrilled.
Next day we travelled on to Omarama. Again a lovely sunny day, although the day before had been overcast and grey. We stopped at Lake Tekapo and visited the Church of the Good Shepherd which overlooks the lake. Went on and decided to do a 30 mile detour to the base of Mount Cook as the weather was so fantastic. Fabulous views of the mountains, and road went alongside a lake so another very memorable day.
Friday 20 Feb
Weather changed again and very wet. We travelled on to Dunedin and were glad to arrive as it rained hard all day.
Sat 21 Feb We had booked to see the Royal Albatross Centre and the Albatrosses and although the weather was gastley it was good for seeing the birds, who were flying around because of the winds. They were fantastic too, and we saw them sitting on the nests on the hillside.
We then went on a trip on an 8 wheel jeep type vehicle that goes through the water as well as all-terrain, and saw the penguins, (small blue and yellow eyed varieties) as well as baby seals playing in the rock pools. The rain detracted from any photos and the views, but from the point of view of seeing the wild life it was a great day. we returned to the camp site at 7.30.p.m.
That's it for now - enjoy the photos
Love from John & Mary
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