Lots of Helpers

Our family's life in New Zealand

Kaikoura Peninsula

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We had an adventure Sunday!  It was such a lovely day that after leaving church at 2:00 we went to the Kaikoura Peninsula to walk on the rocks.  Gayle has been wanting to walk around the Peninsula again, but we weren’t sure what the tides were.  When we got there, however, it became apparent that the tide was going out, so we took off from the north side of the Peninsula, and walked around to South Bay at sea level.  It’s quite a long, strenuous walk, but beautiful!  We made it to the other end around 5:00.  Gayle went ahead of us the last little ways and then he and two of the boys hurried up the cliff to the trail on top and across to where we had left the van, then came back to get us.

Seagull at the north end, before we started out hiking.
Here we go! Just starting around the first point.
The tide was still high enough we had to be fairly close to the cliffs, and the seaweed on the rocks that were in shadow was extremely slick. We had to search for dry places to walk on.

Lots of energy at the beginning!
This boy climbed halfway up that high cliff! He climbed several hills on the way, and at the end ran back across the top of the Peninsula to catch up to his dad, who was on the way back for our van. Incredible energy, there.
Some of the easiest walking on the whole trip.

Some of the first seals we saw up-close that day–but not the last!

The game of “Pass the Baby” was popular with the one being passed–until one big brother fell down with him. Then, he wanted Mom.
See the boys most of the way up?
More seals, and a shag grooming.

At the base of the cliff ahead of us is where we first came very close to seals–like, on the trail! Seals can be quite dangerous; if they bite you can get a very bad infection. Don’t go between a seal and the water, and don’t threaten them! Signs are posted saying to stay 10 meters (30 feet) from seals.
Our protector going ahead to scout for seals.

Here we come, skirting as far around the seals as possible. The boy behind me very thoughtfully waited there for me, keeping a lookout while I watched my footing, then brought up the rear.
I had to stop to feed the baby, and while they were waiting, Gayle and some of the boys climbed up through a cave and came out on top, where they could watch us coming up!
We all ended up going through a branch of the cave to get to the other side, because the only other path had a big seal on it!
More seals–all over the path! We were very cautious.
At last! We have rounded the end of the Peninsula and can see the mountains again. Our destination is across the bay.
This fascinating layer of rocks, shells, and bones ran along the cliff for quite a long ways.
One of the boys found this whale’s vertebrae sticking out! He brought it home.
Another boy found this fence post washed up, and carried it a LONG way along the beach. He fell down four times while carrying it across slick places, but persevered. He really wanted it!
South Bay–the end of our hike.

Google Earth map of the Kaikoura Peninsula

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