We awoke in Kaikoura to an uncertain morning as the winds began to blow and a thick fog closed in around us.
Joining the Whale Watch team we headed to the edge of the Kaikoura Canyon aboard the Wawahia. Along the way our knowledgeable guide explained the ways of the giant Sperm Whale. Although the mountains were hidden from view, the smooth seas made it easy to spot our quarry. We had five excellent views of Sperm Whales, watching with mouths hanging open as these magnificent creatures raised their tails and sunk into the murky depths.
The Sun continued to struggle through the mist as we headed back to shore after lunch. Some explored the small town, while many of us spent a pleasant afternoon walking the spectacular Kaikoura Peninsula. Here we learned about Hutton's shearwaters, coastal geology, fur seals and early Maori use of the Peninsula.
