Swimming with Seals

I woke up really early and was ready to go by 5am. I had a big drive ahead of me which was mostly driven in the dark. Towards the end of my journey I saw a huge bird of prey which I later found out was a Marsh harrier. It was in the middle of the road scoping up some road kill. I also saw types of kites but wasn’t able to discover which kind they were.

I eventually arrived in Kaikoura at 7.30 after passing through the most friendly road workers who waved and smiled at each car or truck that passed them. I found the hostel where I would be staying but would be unable to check-in until after 10am. I found the dolphin experience place which also had a cafe and ordered big breakfast.

It was massive but I was so hungry I forgot to take a photo

Whilst I was waiting for my food to arrive, I checked in for my tour tomorrow. It was very factory like: book in, given card, wait for call, go with group.
I got myself confused where seal tour was located and walked the wrong way. Thankfully after a phone call, they came and picked up. I was suited up in a wetsuit and there was only 4 of us in our group. The guide sped the boat along to where the seals were basking in the sun. The guide was very interesting and knowledgeable about birds and sea creatures. We saw a spotted shag, stripped shags, penguins swimming then we saw the seal colonies. The older males were in one area, the females and babies were in another then there were the juveniles.

The guide had a float which he helped me to swim up close then I floated like a star fish. It was just like the blue planet. We went and swam in 2 different areas. The second, the sea was clearer and the seals came very close. It was just like the blue planet and I kept expecting to hear David Attenborough’s voice to do a commentary about what was happening. I had to wait whilst the other ladies had their hot showers as I needed help with getting my wetsuit off and the shower I was supposed to use would not work.

I then went to get some soup but it was not gluten free so I had green lipped muscles instead but they didn’t have any gluten free bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

I walked back to car then drove to the hostel where I would be staying for the next few days. Unfortunately I then had to wait 2 hours before checking in. The bathroom is a bit better but I have to share but I do have my own room. I went to the supermarket and bought some gluten free bread which will be my breakfast for the next few days.