"Animal Watching" in Kaikoura – Part One

After a drive of 180 km north from Christchurch, we arrive in Kaikoura on the east side of New Zealand.

We settle into our accommodation for three days, a lovely little bungalow with a terrace and two rooms, and immediately head out to visit the first point of our "Animal Journey" in Kaikoura. By the way, it is quite cold here, 15 degrees. The wind, in particular, makes it feel chilly…

Initially, we are thrilled by the view from the promenade of the mountains, some of which are still snow-capped. Yes, we really like this!

We continue to the Seal Colony, a spot at the end of Point Kean on the peninsula. Here, large numbers of sea lions, also known as seals, gather.

The coastline and rock formations make it difficult to clearly see the animals. From a distance, they closely resemble the rocks on which they lie and sunbathe. You really have to get a bit closer to recognize them. Keeping a safe distance, we do this and observe very sluggish animals. Occasionally a seal moves, but generally, they just lie there dozing. The seals need this rest after returning tired from fishing.

We walk all around the coast and spot several seals at a safe distance. However, there was also a young one quite close in the water by the beach. It seemed quite comfortable and played in the water while letting us watch.

Many seagulls also felt at home on the rocks. They provided quite an auditory spectacle.

Unfortunately, we had to realize that seals do not only live on the beach, but they also die there. We saw three or four carcasses or remains that had been there for quite a long time. It’s all part of life, I guess…

Not all people on the beach heed the warnings on the signs advising them not to approach the animals too closely or to "agitate" or harass them. One man approached an animal too closely for its liking, and it charged at him. He hurried a bit, but stumbled over the many uneven rocks. He was lucky that the animal didn’t take advantage of the situation and just “barked” at him… Some people are so ignorant and end up putting themselves in danger…

We will leave it at that for today. It has gotten late, and with such beautiful views, one loses track of time…