Wildlife Spotting

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Nicky: Hello!! Hope everyone is ok? Thankfully we have been able to see a bit more of the south island than we did of the north, although the weather is still decidely British!! From Picton, which is where the inter-island ferry lands we have headed along the east coast.
Our first main stop was at a place called Kaikoura. It is the most beautiful seaside town which is famous for its wildlife. Along the main road into the town we saw some seals, I dont mean far off on some rocks I mean literally by the side of the road! Very odd! But it was great to be able to get so close up!! From there we headed into the town and went for a walk along the headland. There are lots of tours and things you can do whicih take you out into the harbour to try and catch sight of whales or dolphins but we thought this might be the cheaper option and thankfully we weren't disappointed. I dont think the pics will show it very well but we watched a school of dolphins swim around in the bay long before the tourist boats got there and we are convinced we saw a whale - although we need to see the pics on a big screen to be sure!!!
From Kaikoura we headed further south to Christchurch. Unfortunately when we arrived it was raining and it really isnt a city that lends itself in the wet. We had hoped to have a stroll along the river and around some of its really pretty squares but all we managed was a look in the cathedral and a scurried walk along a few of the main streets!!
Today, Thurs, we have arrived on the west coast having spent the night and the morning on Arthur's Pass. It is the highest town in NZ and we arrived last night in a massive downpour and with the news reader reporting a low of two or three degrees!! Needless to say we got a bit cold overnight but it meant this morning when we were driving through the mountains they were all topped with snow and the streams, rivers and waterfalls were gushing with water. It really was very spectacular and exactly the kind of environment the term "raw and extreme nature" was invented for.
Our next ports of call are the glaciers on the west coast.

Hope everyone is well, is there any news we are missing out on?? neil is off making my lunch at the moment ( so well trained!!ha ha) but he will write soon
Lots of love
xxxx

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Comments

[Kaylie Rusbridge]

I can see the dolphins!!
Dont worry i can see the dolphins!! We've got loads pics from when we spent hours spotting them from the beach!haha!x x