NZ Part 1 - Kaikoura 16 dec 07

finally found some time to blog the nz trip..

first leg was from christchurch to kaikoura.

















it's a touristy town, famous for whale-watching and swimmin with seals.
gearin up for swimmin with seals in 14 deg celcius waters. double layers of wetsuits, very thick and very tight - stops blood circulation and breathing.




















tourist shot with the seals















having a good stretch















now for a lazy afternoon nap















wheeeeeeeeee!
















tourist shot #2
















and #3















strolling along the shore... very unique landscape - large, flat expanse of rock





















rising up to a steep cliff on one side


















waves etched into rock



















thick fleshy kelp



















doing yoga
















whaddya looking at?














getting closer for a good shot














kelp gull nesting - this area is a common nesting area of the kelp gulls
















mama and baby taking a walk

















the elusive skink making a rare appearance
















kaikoura offers whale-watching tours but this is as far as we got... taking a picture with the whale mural.
















view from our room at the Lazy Shag.















view from our room balcony. was a really nice room. it faced the coast and had the charm of a quiet motel by the beach. even though it was a backpacker's hostel, the room we had was quiet cos it was one of the few rooms on the second storey.















we went on our way the next day towards the west coast, stopping by at maruia falls along the way. looks pretty small in these pictures but was actually pretty magnificent.