Day 225 - Kaikoura, NZ

KAIKOURA (14/08/09)

Our first destination in the South Island was the coastal town of Kaikoura where, despite cloud and rain, we hoped to find and get close to a large seal colony. The coastal track from the town initially runs along the cliff tops giving fantastic views of the beautiful curving bays.

Despite the gloom we were happy that the rain had stopped in time for our walk.

As we crossed the top of one of the headlands we spotted part of the large seal colony far below. There were far more than we expected, hundreds of ant-like black specks dotted the rocks.

One of the great things about New Zealand is how unpopulated it is by humans. Vast expanses of untouched coast line stretch for hundreds of miles making it very easy to find an undisturbed spot- especially on a gloomy winter day!

Not really knowing exactly where our path was leading we were delighted when it took us to the top of a flight of steps leading right down to the seals.

Never one to resist climbing anything Adam was straight up this mound. Unfortunately there was no particular visual advantage from this and climbing down the crumbly sandstone was extremely difficult - but that's not the point is it?

Whilst it is disruptive to get very close to the colony some of the individuals had chosen spots near the path to lie. This moustachioed female is mid scratch.

This adolescent also let us get right up close. Seal hunting has been banned in New Zealand since 1891 so they have had time to largely get over their fear of humans.

The same seal as in the above picture, but it's found a friend.

Not all the seals were so docile and friendly. This enormous cow made a huge amount of noise and showed us her large teeth to scare us off.

Having something of a phobia of retracing his steps Adam found a new "path" up the cliff side. Unfortunately at the top was an electric fence which we then had to climb.

After our pleasant walk we hit the road again, but this time only a short distance north to Blenheim, central town of the Marlborough wine region. It was another beautiful drive through rolling green hills with the snow capped mountains of the Southern Alps always in view.