Seal kayaking in Kaikoura

After a couple of great days in Christchurch we are now spending time in Kaikoura, which lies on the east coast about 150 km north of Christchurch. This is the place where the brochures state that "the ocean meets the sea" - which is true. The views are absolutely magnificent, this is definietively a place you should consider visiting on your way around the south island.

The main attraction is a seal colony about 1.5 km from the YHA hostel we are staying at. Here you can meet fellas like this one we met as we strolled along the coast line by foot:










Howdy, dudy! Who's the man?

The best way to experience the seal colony is not by foot, but by sea kayaking. Therefore, we teamed up with a local guide and a few germans and englishmen and set out to sea. Even though the waves made Mari a little naughtious, we had a great time. A few shoots:

Mari smiling - "I just saw a seal"!

Thumb(s) up for sea kayaking!

Is that David Beckham over there?

This guy suddenly showed up from nowhere for a bit of air and to get a good laugh as he saw the stupid tourists.

Ignoring the guy in the front, notice the beautiful mountains in the background. The brochures were right - this is the place where mountains meet the sea!

Ocean meets sea II

Tomorrow morning we take the ferry back to the north island around 1pm, after which we have not quite decided what to do. We might go for a surf along the west coast, but that is yet to see. ;)