No dolphins for us then!

Kaikoura was the last place in the South Island where we had planned and pre-booked some activities. This area on the Eastern coast of the South Island is famous for its marine life, mainly Whales and Dolphins. And for those that know me (M writing this time!) will know they are up there as my favourite animals. So first off was whale watching. We had been told there was a swell in the ocean so both took some sea-sickness pills before we set off.

Rish & Sheep

"Swell" was an under-statement and from the moment we set off the boat was flying in the air and then slamming against the waves which made for an interesting time. Within 15 minutes of us leaving my poor stomach could handle no more and I made great friends with a white paper bag that remained glued to me for the rest of the trip. But, we were here the see the whales and I wasn't going to let a bit of sickness stop me (or so I thought!). We saw 4 sperm whales, the guides telling us how lucky we were to see so many. But the swell in the ocean and the colour of the whales camouflaged them quite well so we didn't see as much as we thought. We did manage to see all 4 dive and flip their tails up to say farewell as they went... but to be honest for $125 each we thought it wasn't the best use of our money (that quickly seems to be disappearing in NZ!)

Wow a whale! (imagine Rish throwing up too)

Next was the long awaited swim with dolphins, something I hoped Jim could fix for me all those years ago when I was a wee girl! I was convinced this would be the highlight of our trip! But it was cancelled on 2 occasions due to bad sea conditions. And both days extra strength sea-sickness pills were taken to avoid another whale watching experience. So, no dolphins to swim with, and the pills seemed to take their toll, knocking me out, I was drugged up beyond belief!

Our last night in the South Island was spent with a work friend, Bridget and her family in the Marlborough Sounds, drinking good wine and having a barbie (in the rain!)