Today was absolutely gorgeous!!!! The sun was shining. The skies, clear and blue. Very little wind and warm (about 58 degrees). We went to where the Whale Watching tour meets and played on the pebbly beach while we waited to hear if the tour was a go. A helicopter flies out to scout for whales before the boat departs. The views there were amazing. The snow covered mountains of the Kaikoura Range on one side and the crystal blue waters of the South Pacific Ocean on the other. Unfortunately the whale tour was canceled due to the whales being too far offshore. This was particularly disappointing because the weather and seas were perfect and after the rather rough trip on the ferry yesterday, I was a bit apprehensive about going out to sea again. No biggie though, for there were seals to see.
We drove back north, past where we had driven yesterday and saw several seals in the craigy rocks. There was a pool of water in which several seals were splashing and playing and many others were sleeping in the sun. We had been told of a pathway that leads to a waterfall, at the bottom of which is a pool where seal pups gather to play. This was probably the most spectacular thing I have ever seen... ever!!! There must have been at least 20-30 seal pups flipping, diving, play fighting and showing off for the visitors. It was just amazing, especially given the fact that this was not a zoo or an aquarium. This was the wild! Words cannot accurately describe and photos don't do it justice. On the walk back, Mikaylie and I watched a cheeky little pup playing alone in the river then we joined Nani to watch another two playing further down. Near these two, we were able to walk to the edge of the river to take close-ups. These mischievous little seals would pop up through the water and slide up onto the rock on which Mikaylie was standing, scaring her backwards. They were such a tease and you often felt they must be posing.
We dragged ourselves away from the babies only because we knew we were going to eat crayfish, which are spiny lobsters (sadly, they are clawless). We ate at a roadside caravan on the beach. One word... YUM!
Next we began a 3 hour drive to our next farmstay (dare we try again?) The drive was beautiful, a bit twisty, but beautiful! Seaviews, mountains and sheep... lots and lots of sheep!!! We stopped for sandwich fixings before going to the B&B where we are staying the night. We arrived at Longview Farmstay where we were welcomed by Anita and Alan Blakemore and their very cute and tolerant cocker spaniel, Becky. Their home is absolutely beautiful and they views are breathtaking! We sampled olive oil from their olive groves and watched the All Blacks v. Argentina rugby quarter final RWC game. Do visit their website: www.longviewfarmstay.co.nz and visit them in person if you're ever on the South Island. Huge thanks to Anita and Alan for their warm hospitality and cozy accommodations!!!
Grabbing some sleep before another day of driving to our bach in Queenstown.
No comments:
Post a Comment