We are still on the Otago peninsula, near Dunedin. We decided to spend the day exploring the south side. The north is quiet. The south is dirt roads, sandy bays and real wildlife.
We settled on Sandfly bay, making one abortive attempt which stalled at the top of one huge sand dune. Down is UK, up isn't...
So, round the other way. Just a 50 metre dune this way, so we slid down onto a quiet beach, and walked down to the hide at the other end. We quickly found some yellow eyed penguins, and spent a lovely half hour or so watching them.
Moved outside, and we spotted s huge bull sea lion coming on to the beach. Mark got his camera out, just outside the hide, and started to take shots. Alerted by a slight snuffly noise, he was somewhat alarmed to discover an adult cow sea lion about a foot or so away. Naturally, he moved quickly, for several tens of yards...collecting Sarah on the way. They are not afraid of humans, and can be nasty. She followed us down to the beach, then went for the water, which she splashed in wildly when she got there.
White a scary moment.
We spent last night spotting blue penguins at dusk, so we have mien ticked off blue and yellow-eyed penguins, the royal albatross, and sea lions. All in the wild!
I think that deserves a glass of Cloudy Bay!
Pictures: Sandfly Bay, Otago peninsula
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