Camping! Seemed like a fun idea so we got the gear. Sleeping bag found, tent second hand! We decide to buy a car to sell in Auckland when we leave. Much debate and we settled on a Toyota 'station wagon 'aka. Ruby.

Kaikoura. A little seaside place on the east coast. We passed Fur seals relaxing on the rocks, Took amazing coastal walks with mountain backdrops, Ate "Fush & Chups" .However the highlight of this place was our aquatic encounter. Chris wanted to swim with the Dolphins. I decided go too so as not to miss anything. It was a grey day and a rough sea. I did think we weren't going to see anything at all but as soon as we set off there were flocks of shearwater and albatrosses. We got into our wet suits and were told when the siren goes there are dolphins near and we can get in the water. Quite hilarious. So I launch myself in to the freezing sea out of breath and still can't really see. Then I am surrounded by dusky dolphins they seem to swim straight towards you circling and playing. I forget I have trouble breathing and hate the whole sea thing. I am in awe of these beautiful creatures.

After another swim with literally hundreds of them the siren goes and it's back on the boat. They follow the boat again jumping and showing off. They swim so close you can even hear them breathe. We head back shivering and in shock of what we have just seen. The sea seems to have got far worse. I feel really sick. I get a bucket and sit there unable to feel my toes. Smiling. it was even worth all that.