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Whale Watching
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Kiakoura is a small coastal town that has grown larger in recent years because of the quality of its Whale Watching. There is a deep sea canyon close to shore which is an excellent feeding ground for many of the great whales so boats do not have to go far from shore to see these spectacular creatures.
I took a trip out on a Jet Boat that seemed to fly across the water, you were able to watch on a screen as the depth of the ocean shore plummeted as we crossed the canyon edge. Shortly after we saw our first Sperm Whale, it was on the surface for about 10 minutes taking in air before diving down to the bottom again to feed, waving us goodbye with the characteristic tail fluke. Its size was as big as out boat and it was apparently still a juvenile that had been in the area for over 10yrs. The experience was magical. We observed another Sperm Whale in the same area before it took its dive to the bottom for 40 minutes of feeding.
On the way back to the shore in shallower water we observed a pod of what must have been over 300 dusky dolphins playing and frolicking in the water. They loved to swim close to the bow of the boat and then leap out of the water in play. I could have watched them for hours. Apparently in the morning a group of Killer Whales had been seen in the area, favourite food - the dusky dolphin. I would have loved to see the Killer Whales but I don't think that I would have been able to observe the dolphins in such relaxed play if they had been in the area. More thumbnails ...
Latest Comments (1)
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Whale Watching (reply)
Mar 6, 2006 05:00 EST by simonmolyneux
That sounds so good and another to add to my list of T.T.D.
A bit of snow at MAN Airport this morning and wishing I was in N.Z.
Where are you off to next? Take Care.
Simon
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11 votes 
This is a top pick!
