Simon's despatch no. 4: Kaikoura

The aquatic theme continued in Kaikoura. We were up good & early to watch the sun rise over the sea ready for our dolphin encounter. Essentially togged up in wetsuits so thick they'd make a whale feel over insulated, we cruised out to an area where the ocean floor comes very close to land, bringing an upwelling of food laden water to the surface.

Luck was with us and a bunch of dolphins came to play. So as the engines were cut we all plopped into the water and started making the most ridiculous collection of noises you'd ever hear in a desperate attempt to make us seem interesting to the dolphins.

Beth adopted her trademark split voice cho cho train whistle noise whilst I opted for a more manly whale impersonation. God knows what the dolphins made of all of us but I'm pretty sure they don't even think we're the 3rd most intelligent animal on earth!

It was worth the embarrassment however to have the dolphins darting amongst us. I'm pretty sure the staff on the boat had good fun directing us which direction to "swim to the dolphins", despite the dolphins clearly being ten fold faster than us.

The only downside to the trip was an impressive bout of sea sickness that we both succumbed to in the 'moderate' swell. Let's just say dolphins must have a less acute sense of smell than sharks as it didn't seem to put them off!

A good snooze on the beach followed by lounging in a hot tub with views of the mountains set us back to rights.

As I write this we're on the ferry and north island is in sight. The next chapter of our adventure is about to begin with a visit to our friends Jon & Gemma who moved to Wellington years ago.