A little bit off our itinery, but we were recommended to visit Kaikora on the Pacific coast of the South Island. We took the Alpine Pacific road from Hanmer and spent two hours up and down hills and mountains with Mitsy struggling at times - but we made it.There was boat tour available at 3 o'clock but Lee suggested that with all the families and tourists we should consider going out whale watching in a helicopter. It's actually that he's frightened of boats (that makes sense that's he's OK throwing himself out of a perfectly good plane? Mad!) Anyway I hate helicopters, but as you know my placid self gave in and agreed (of course at double the price!). So this photo here is of a false grimmace from me sat in the copter!
Wasn't too bad - only 1200 feet abover sea level!
The following pictures don't really give you the full picture of how big these Sperm Whales really are. The boat can hold about 100 people. We were very lucky as the whales in the bay are all single males and do not mingle together. So seeing two at once together is an amazing site. The disappeared and reappeared about 5 minutes later further out to sea!
Safe and sound back on terra firma! Really enjoyed the experience - we missed the Southern Right Whales when we were in South Africa - now we can say we've seen whales in New Zealand! A day to remember!Off to Christchurch now......
3 comments:
Wow.....It looks fantastic. Those whales are so cool. I would love to get up close to those. I can no longer brag thatI'm the only one who jump at 15k!
You both look very well, healthy and happy. Take care and have a great and different Christmas love Paul, Jane and Eloise xxx
PS Weather is -5 but clean and crisp.
Lee - are you doing the bungy? Jane
This is what you call having a whale of a time. We're very glad to see it, keep it up,
Love,
M&S
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