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Published: November 2nd 2009
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Kaikoura 038
Whale tail as it dives to go under. Hey All,
We had booked a whale watching trip at Kaikoura so Sunday morning we were up early to pick up the rental car. Kaikoura is about 150km north of Christchurch. Stopped for breakfast before we really hit the road though, Russ was siked about getting a full english. The driving is just like in the UK although Russ did all the driving and as usual I acted as navigator.
The drive there took us around 2.5 hours but we were there in plenty of time before the boat left so had a wander on the beach. I can't believe the water here, the colour and purity of it is totally amazing (my photos don't do it justice).
There were a few warnings about sea sickness so we decided to buy some pills just in case. Didn't think I would actually need it (this will surprise anyone who knows me and my historic motion sickness stories). I felt pretty awful from the moment the boat started, Russ wasn't feeling great to start with either but his passed. Anyway I managed to hold it together long enough to see what we had come out for!
We were pretty
Kaikoura 008
Beach in front of Whale Watch at Kaikoura. lucky to see our first whale almost immediately and we were close to it (prob not as close as we would have liked). You will see from the photos but what we saw was the back of the whale when it comes to the surface for air, the whale blow/spurt and then as it goes to dive back under the water its tail. We managed to track 3 whales and see the same thing for each, that it apparently a good number to see in one trip so we were pretty happy. We also passed some rock islands where there were NZ fur seals sleeping. We had seen them before at Taronga Zoo but it was so nice to see them in the wild.
The trip lasted about 2.5 hours all in so we had plenty of time to get back to Christchurch. We decided to take a run to Hanmer Springs, which we thought was on the way back but turned out to be longer than expected. It is famous for its thermal pools and spa. We didn't see much of that but the scenery there and around was gorgeous and we had a nice dinner al fresco.
Today, we had some errands to run like getting Russ his wedding shoes and a hair cut. Managed to get both done pretty quickly after a pancake breakfast at Dennys (yum). We spent most of the day around Christchurch centre and I have included a few pics. There are a lot of works going on in the pedestrian area at the mo but it is a really lovely paved centre, the buildings are lovely and there are a lot of outdoor eating places as well as the old tram line which gives the whole place a lovely feel. Hoping to do the city tram ride tomorrow. Got tickets to see Michael Jacksons 'This Is It' for tonight so will be heading out in a little while to see that.
Anyway one more sleep until Fiona, Arthur and Arran arrive here. Can't wait to pick them up at the airport, getting so excited about the wedding - yeah. Next blog will prob be the wedding so stay tuned!!
Take care, missing you all xxx.
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Sandra Taylor
non-member comment
NZ
Now you're in a part of the world I know and love. You very lucky pair. Have a wonderful time, I know you will. Hope wedding goes to plan. Big hugs to my NZ family and to yourselves. xxxxxxxx