Kaikoura is a small town (2200) situated a couple of hours drive north of Christchurch and is known as a mecca for wildlife buffs. Whale watching (Sperm whales) and dolphin swimming (Hector's and Dusky dolphins) are all the rave, but I did neither. The walk alone was enough for me to understand and take part in Kaikoura's charm.
These pictures were taken on Saturday, September 25th and focus on a 12 kilometer walk I found around the Kaikoura peninsula. Lucky for me I did it at low tide, as I got face to face with a few groups of seals and, of course, sheep.
Looking Back+
This is what I saw about 1km into the walk. When I started it was pretty overcast, but the views were still amazing.
Sea Level+
As I mentioned above, catching the chance to do this walk at low tide was amazing. Most people see many of the same sights that I saw, but from afar (the cliff top walk above). Anyway, this is about 2km into the walk, looking out over the sea.
Seals+
This is the first group of seals I stumbled upon. I found out beforehand that they usually won't bother you, as long as you don't come between them and the ocean.
I stumbled upon one without knowing it and it scared the shit out of me, lunging out from under a rock, barking. After I unsoiled myself, I realized that I was having a really cool experience...
Shrooms+
Speaking of cool experiences... A little more than half way into the walk, I saw these in the distance and wondered how I was going to get around them. There were seals everywhere and the tide was inching in. I figured I'd snap this shot in case it was my last.
Baa!!+
How cool is this shot? Three little sheep hanging out at the beach. Some of the walk took me through sheep pastures and, as you probably know, sheep are everywhere in New Zealand. Even at the beach.