The Royal Albatross is the largest flying bird on Earth and ranges throughout the world, but breeds only only a few of the island groups to the south and east of New Zealand and at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula, where this picture was taken. You couldn't tell it by this photo, but the bird stands nearly 4.5 feet tall and had a wingspan of 12-15 feet!

The Kea is the largest alpine parrot in the world, but isn't colored like a normal parrot except for his bright pink underwings. They inhabit the South Island high-country and are very friendly, fearless and mischievous birds. We got along well...

Shags (also known as cormorants) are marine diving birds that have dark plumage, webbed feet, and a hooked bill. I caught this group caught nesting on the Otago peninsula. The cool thing about them is that they actually dive to great depths for their food and can stay underwater for up to 2 minutes.

The New Zealand Fur Seal, once slaughtered to near extinction for their furs, can now be seen in abundance basking in the sun on coastal rocks. They rest during the daytime for a big night of fishing. I snapped this shot on the way into Kaikoura.

It was nearing dusk and these guys were getting ready to head out fishing. The Hooker's Sea Lion is the rarest sea lion in the world and is about twice the size of the New Zealand Fur Seal. They have just recently just begun mainland breeding again after being hunted to near extinction 700 years ago.

The yellow-eyed penguin is the rarest penguin in the world, it's numbers diminishing because of the loss of its coastal habitat. I saw about 15 of these guys swim in with the surf, hop on their feet and make their way to their nests in the coastal cliff's and pastures.

Seeing a penguin and a sheep side by side was definitely a trip.