Kiwi Experience Day 1

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Day One of the Kiwi Experience bus pass from Auckland -----> Chirstchurch
After a late start we were on our way, the first main stop on our trip is Hahei Beach. Despite feeling quite unwell I signed up for another kayaking trip - which promised some of the best paddling in N.Z. The 3hr trip had aparently won awards so i thought I would give it a go. I was pretty pleased to see tandem kayaks layed out on the beach because I can hardly breath today.
Nathan our guide was pretty anxious to get into the kayaks and get out there - we soon realised why..... the Mercury Bay pod of bottlenose dolphins was in the area for the first time in ages. They are only spotted a couple of times per month in the bay!! We soon paddled out towards them, they didn't seem fussed by our presence and are quite tame. The pod of about 15 happily swam/jumped around and under us. I managed to get a few pictures but photographs cannot capture how close they were or the feeling I got when they turned on their sides while swimming under the canoes and seemingly looked straight into my eyes. They were gorgeous - and to see them in their natural habitat made it even better. We watched them for around 20min which passed incredibly quickly before we paddled around to see some fabulous rock structures and formations. The whole trip was amazing, the scenery, the sunset, the warm calm waters and of course the dolphins turning up in time for our trip.
My faith in sea-kayaking has definately been restored, and I am now very eager to get out there and try it again, however as the tour goes further south this is becoming more unlikely.

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Photos

Mercury Bay Dolphins
This is one of the best photos I got while bobbing around in my kayak next to the dolphins

Kayaking with dolphins
The excellent kayaking conditions as well as the dolphins made this an extra special trip that I will never forget

Comments

[dad5678]

Wish I was there!
Fantastic photos, Vikki! sounds like you're having a blast. like the comment about having your spinal column re-arranged - rather you than me. i'm really impressed with your storm-force kayaking skills and your up close pics of dolphins lots of love xxxxx dad, mum and the kids