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Published: December 5th 2008
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Hector Dolphin
Seriously tiny dolphins and very fast when you are in water with them! Fell absolutely in love with Akaroa and seriously the only place so far I would seriously move to....so far! It has colonial style French buildings and stretched out along sea front with an abundance of marine like and seriously great shops and cafes, all keeping to an old style.
Went swimming in the sea with Hector Dolphins, they are smallest of dolphins, about 1.2-1.4m in length. Small pods so we were lucky that when got in water there were quite a few pods coming through that wanted to play. The water was Frreeeezing! but once a dolphin swam about a foot away from me and went round and round with me, I then changed direction and so did the wild dolphin! It was magical, seriously. Thought about sharks a few times, Mums advice was bite them first and Grems advice was don't act like a seal!! LOL The experience was unforgettable and totally natural, they chose to come to us and swim away when had enough and we didn't touch them.
Went on harbour cruise in afternoon after warming up and saw more wildlife and took photos of Hector Dolphins so I can remind myself what I swimmed with
Mickey Mouse Ears!
When you are Hector Dolphin spotting they say to look out for Mickey Mouse type ears coming out of water, I see what they mean!! earlier in the day. I even have a photo of me in my wetsuit as Grem has always wanted me in a rubber outfit, but decided not to post on here, you guys might be eating whilst on pc!!! =p Had the BEST seafood chowder in the world and had very sound nights sleep. I was staying in a self contained chalet/hut/cottage at bottom of BnB garden, made it feel magical and secret.....
Had breakfast with a Russian, An Aussie and a highly opinionated French woman....no honestly this isn't the beginning of a joke although my jaw did hit the floor a few times at the things people will feel they can say without a thought or even caring about others, there was almost a fight and I sat back wetting myself laughing at it all!! =D (just an example of my mornings in BnBs for you).
Drove into outskirts of Christchurch, found hotel on edge of city park (it had a medieval theme)! It's odd because Christchurch is the most English City and when I did a tour it missed out what I would call the NZ bits and took us to their version of old manor
Akaroa Sea Front Shops
Gorgeous old buildings! houses, tea rooms for scones and a punt on the river Avon!! lol made me feel at home x
Went to cinema first night and saw Ghost town, next day walked around Botanical Gardens that were stunning and the rose garden was beautiful, then to International Antarctic centre that was so interesting - had a simulated -8 degrees storm, watched a phenomenal film about living in Antarctic, studying, environmental work and beauty of it and then rode on the all terrain vehicles they use, great fun! That night went to Court Theatre in City Art area and watched 'The Bird Cage', I love the story and I had seat right at the front.....once mmore this country made me cry with emotion and laugh till my face hurt, stunning performance, costumes, voices etc. I had lime daiqaris with southern comfort and that helped to be even more enjoyable!!
Last morning in Christchurch spent time in Cathedral Square, watched people playing giant chess, had lots of Chai latte, took few pictures and chilled out, took ride on tram and then back to hotel to leave for Hanmer Springs.
Went White river rafting at Hanmer Springs after longish drive, was
Antarctic Centre
This was layout of storm simulation, it was extremely cold and I have crossed Alaska or anywhere remotely cold off my adventure list! grade 3 if that means anything to you? Had real laugh as only 3 tourists and one guide who was very cheeky, he pushed us out at safe places on the river and took us through some fun water, definately something I want to do again! (minus the intentional dip as was freezing!) To warm up I went to the thermal springs and spa in the little town, went from 36, 37, 38 to 40 degree pools and ended up in smelly but relaxing Sulfur pool at 41 degrees, was lovely after the cold rafting.
Had evening wine with hosts (met their Siamese x Lynx called Phoebe who I cuddled till she had enough) and dined with couple who were staying at same BnB, chatted about everything NZ and travel based, was nice to eat with someone!
And that leads me to today, now in Kaikoura, marine wildlife central - had local tour with guide, saw lookout points, local Mauri history, seal colony and advice about food etc. Just had fresh crayfish at roadside cafe and it was delicious and so fresh I can't believe it was dead! =p Whale watching tmrw morning by boat and then kayaking
Christchurch -Botanical Garden
Gorgeous smell from the roses, spent a while here reading book and watching world go by! around seals hopefully in the afternoon. Then more crayfish for tea I expect! Hard work this activity and travelling lark sometimes you know!
Missing home and everyone, but time is flying by now and wishing I had taken more photos and slept less and kept going till dark everywhere! Will know for next adventure. Does anyone know if Martin & Jen have had the baby yet??!!
Your adventurous friend Liz xx
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