Wednesday, February 5th, Kaikoura

The weather has completely changed. It is cool, pants weather, and the sky is overcast. The mountains are covered in clouds. After breakfast, we will go to the airport. There will be a informative little lecture about the whales here on the coast and a demonstration of how deep the sea is here. That is also the reason why the whales and the many dolphins are here in this bay. Afterwards, there will be a fun little introduction to the safety rules (the New Zealanders are simply the best at that. See also the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOw44VFNk8Y) and then we're off. Reinhard gets to sit in the front with the pilot. There are 5 other participants. The small plane gains momentum and off we go.

Reinhard sees many dusky dolphins, many seals, and the beautiful landscape of the Kaikoura Peninsula. The pilot had already warned that it could be difficult to spot the whales in this rough sea. Unfortunately, that turns out to be true, but the flight was still great.

Back in the room, we pack our sandwiches and set off for a hike from Point Kean Viewpoint along the Peninsula Walkway, up on the cliffs and back along the beach. We see entire colonies of seals with many babies and marvel at how the little ones crawl over the rocks. We encounter oystercatchers, a cormorant, collect paua shells, and chicken gods for the treasure chest of our grandchildren. And then we look forward to delicious fish at the highly recommended (Lonely Planet, Tripadvisor, the frogs giude!!!) BBQ street stand and order a mix of everything and enjoy it in the sun. For dessert, we share an ice cream from the neighboring stand and try the daily recommendation "Indian Summer". Yummy!!!!

After that, we need a nap!!