The next morning it was a decision to either head a bit north to Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park or drive south on the west cost to see Whales and Seals. Having never seen these animals in the wild we opted for this!
Already along the drive to Kaikora we were able to stop to see the NZ Fur Seals at rest and at play. There was many colonies along the way but we stopped at a major (or obvious stop point as there was side parking from the highway).
In one direction on the coast was some adult seals (well actually Sea Lions) that were lazing around on the rocks having a bit of a sun bake. As you approach some would perhaps open their eyes to check you out then sleep again. Another sat up did a bit of a show for us being cute then passed out again.
I walked up close to a couple of baby sea lions on the rocks. At first he was pretty busy being a big baby so didn't notice me and I could snap away at some cool photos. However after reaching about 3 meters away he heard me. He was SO funny as his eyes widened in suprise and he backed up behind a rock to hide. He then very slowly peeked out from behind the rock to check if I was still there. Seeing me he quickly hid again. I couldn't help but giggle as he did this a few times over. as he sensed I wasn't going anywhere he then decided to start talking to me in a voice that complained of my existance - like a moan and complaint via a deep horn! So smiling I back up and left the poor baby alone.
We then took a 10 walk to the water falls across the street. This led us to see a bunch of baby seals at play, rolling in the water, chasing each other, lazing around then being hyper again. Sometimes they would look our direction and do funny little shows for us. ADORABLE.
Seeing them in the wild was so different than seeing them in the zoo. I have always loved the zoo and although it is great to be able see animals - it was just such so much more exciting and wonderful to see them act as they should and do in the wild. You see personalities, games, arguements, their social structure within their colony. You get to see WHOM they really are - not a show that force them to be in. Who they really are is a treasured memory I will always keep.
There is one company in Kaikora that operates to take tourists out of the harbour to see the Whales in the wild. There is an area here about 5km out of the coast where the Whales for years have loved to stop, play, nest (sort of), relax and just live. The charge for this is $130NZD each for a 2 hour boat ride. There is no guarantee of a sighting. Although you would get 80% back if there was none to see. Our heart broke at not being able to afford to see the whales. Although probably a once in a lifetime chance (and they know this hence why they know almost all people will fork out such a sum so easily) we couldn't justify spending this money for 2 hours. Not when your a shoestring budget anyway.
So with grumpy hearts we did a coastline walk of the peninsula. It was pretty viewing as we walked until it got dark, we got lost and a local had to show us a track (which we would never have found) which led us back to home - the camper van.
Ciao for now.
