Farewell to the South Island

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After 6 1/2 weeks on the South Island we have crossed Cook's Strait and are now sitting on the docks in Wellington.

Since our last blog we visited Hanmer Springs - a small alpine village whose origins go back to the late 1800's when the benefits of the natural hot springs drew people 'to take the waters'. Shortly thereafter, a sanitorium was built and its main feature was to provide therapy and convalescence for emotionally stressed returning soldiers starting with the Crimean war, up to and including World War II. It is now a tourist destination where the hot springs have been commercialized, but are not lavish. We enjoyed soaking in the various hot pools and sulphur springs, especially the private pools that people can rent for 30 minutes at a time (sorry no photos!).

Continuing with the water theme - our next destination was Kaikoura - to swim with the dolphins. This is a bustling seaside town, especially so since we were there over the Easter weekend - which was three days of glorious sunshine - narry a cloud in sight, day or night, and a full moon to boot! The combination of very deep water and the confluence of two ocean currents - one warm and one cold - creates nutrient rich feeding grounds for thousands of dusky dolphins in the bay adjacent to Kaikoura. Outfitted in full cold water wetsuits and snorkelling gear, we boarded a small tour boat which took us out to the dolphins. Within fifteen minutes we had jumped in and were swimming with these delightful, inquisitive, playful and very acrobatic animals. As the pod moved away, we climbed back onto the boat and repeated this process five times over about two hours. Dolphins are considerably more graceful than we are!! What a thrill to share some time and space with these wonderful creatures.

We now begin our last month in NZ, touring the North Island - more later.

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Comments

[Michael]

Sounds like you are having a wonderful time. Great photos.

[nancy wood]

bucket list
Well, I am adding "swim with dolphins" to my bucket list! that looks wonderful..hilarious how "ungracefull" the humans look compared to the sleek agile dolphins....of course the dolphins have had centuries to perfect their skills! I love getting your blogs! thank you so much.....continue your adventure...love always Nancy

[Brian Low]

Kaikoura - a magical place
Sitting on the stone beach at Kaikoura in the evening with the gentle waves rustling on the stones is a magical time. I also had my first venture swimming with the seals at Kaikoura. It's great to be able to interact with the sea life in their natural environment!

[Colleen Welch]

Wow! Dolphins!
Hi Dick and Pauline! I'm jealous you went swimming with the dolphins! I saw dolphins at Punakaiki and when I was on the ferry, but never close enough to get a photo. I hope you had a smooth ferry crossing. Enjoy the North Island. Te Puia in Rotorua is expensive, but my girlfriend and I thought it was worth it. Same with The Black Abyss Tour at Waitomo Caves.

[Mary E]

I can not think of a better way to spend your easter weekend than with the dolphins...so very cool for sure. I can hardly believe you have been there for 6 1/2 weeks...and if the time has flown for me it certainly would have for you guys. Enjoy and look forward to the next update. Sis

[Janice B.]

Your pictures continue to be beyond amazing and your writing very captivating, we are living vicariously through you! Love it,

[Donna]

Loved the pictures of swimming with the dolphins. Now I have a new image to plant in my brain when I'm doing those lengths at the JCC. As long as its in my brain then its real right? Thanks for planting those new dream seeds.

[paulineanddicknz]

Swimming with dolphins
Hi Donna - of course it is real! Glad you liked it:)