Expression No. 2473

Whale watching - Kaikoura

Skipping swiftly down to the south island. We did stop off for some blackwater rafting in the Waitomo caves but it wasn't that great for photo opportunities.

So.....seals,wales and dolphins


Not entirely sure what type of seal this is, but they all seemed particularly grumpy. Apparently it's breeding season!


A sleeping (honest, it really is) male sperm whale.


Diving for dinner.


Dusky dolphin.

JET BOATING

Taupo Rapids Jet


We're the ones in the centre of the middle row.

Thermal Wonderland

This is Wai-o-tapu, just south of Rotorua, with such attractions as Champagne Pool and the Devils Bathtub.


The Lady Knox geyser


Jen in the mist, no gorillas though!


Champagne Pool


Boiling mud pool......beautiful!

Freefall Preview!!

possibly the coolest thing we've done so far!






This is the only wind tunnel in the southern hemisphere, and I highly recommend having a go if you get a chance.

KIWI CAFE


Jen enjoying tea on a rainy afternoon on our way to Rotorua


A cheeky sparrow shaking itself dry right at our table


Kiwi country!

Travelling in the Funky Van






We headed up the Coromandel Peninsular once we'd finally got our van. This is us at Sunset just outside Coromandel town.










A very cool tropical butterfly house we stopped at for lunch on the Coromandel. The bird is a white finch apparently.


Mount Maunganui. You can see our van in the campsite below, honest!


We've been here for about a week and we're leaving for Rotorua today. Well worth a return visit, hopefully with better surf next time.

Auckland & Beyond


The famous Sky Tower


Pervy Santa!! He winks and beckons with one finger!


The shy Pukeko, wandering around our campsite in Auckland.


The fernery in the Auckland central Domain.


Jen getting friendly with some Alpines!


The view from our tent on the first morning out of Auckland up in the North Land (sorry this is a bit out of order, as this is before we actually got our van!)


Cute ducklings


Aahhh!


How big can I make my hands look with our wide angle lens!


Purple haze on the way down from the North Land