Check out the wingspan of the northern albatross
"Stalking" Yellow Eyed Penguins!
Beautiful Dundedin Art GalleryWe were both looking forward to Dunedin to see the wildlife. There is a Royal Albatross Observatory where we could see the famous northern albatross and Penguin Place for viewing the little blue penguin and the rare yellow-eyed penguin in their natural habitat. We were met by the owner of Blackhead Cottage, our farm stay B & B, a very friendly Kiwi who advised us to head out that afternoon to see the Otago Peninsula at its best as the weather was due to change the next day.
The drive was spectacular, and we made it to the RAO just in time for the 4 p.m. tour. It was fascinating to learn about these magnificent birds. The young ones fly around Antarctica searching for food without landing except on water - the equivalent of flying up and down the NZ coast 84 times in one year without touching land. They have a wingspan of 3 feet, their wings fold in like jackknives, and they are able to cruise on the winds without tiring themselves.
After the observatory, we hustled 15 minutes down the road to Penguin Place before it closed for the day. This is a privately owned establishment totally dependent upon tourist revenues so the price was fairly steep. The family construct a network of trenches that enable humans to run from point to point observing the penguins without stressing them. They’ve also created box nests for the blue penguins that are in residence at night and during moulting season. We saw two quietly crouched in their boxes; they must stay off the water when moulting as they are unable to stay afloat. Our Asian guide carried a walky-talky and received regular updates from “penguin central” as to their location. It was hilarious to chase the penguins for views, but worth the effort. We saw 3 pairs of yellow eyed penguins; one came hopping over the hills from the beach calling for and meeting his mate. We saw a private moment as they seemed to enjoy a penguin “hongi” billing and cooing.
The following day the weather was stormy so we went to the Dunedin Farmers’ Market in the morning to stock up on provisions for the next little while as we are staying in a cottage on the Banks Peninsula. Dunedin has a strong Scottish presence with those solid stolid buildings and wide streets. We enjoyed visiting their impressive art gallery then returned to our little farm cottage for tea and a ginger slice from the market. I just love these and have never had them elsewhere. They are definitely worth the calories.
The drive was spectacular, and we made it to the RAO just in time for the 4 p.m. tour. It was fascinating to learn about these magnificent birds. The young ones fly around Antarctica searching for food without landing except on water - the equivalent of flying up and down the NZ coast 84 times in one year without touching land. They have a wingspan of 3 feet, their wings fold in like jackknives, and they are able to cruise on the winds without tiring themselves.
After the observatory, we hustled 15 minutes down the road to Penguin Place before it closed for the day. This is a privately owned establishment totally dependent upon tourist revenues so the price was fairly steep. The family construct a network of trenches that enable humans to run from point to point observing the penguins without stressing them. They’ve also created box nests for the blue penguins that are in residence at night and during moulting season. We saw two quietly crouched in their boxes; they must stay off the water when moulting as they are unable to stay afloat. Our Asian guide carried a walky-talky and received regular updates from “penguin central” as to their location. It was hilarious to chase the penguins for views, but worth the effort. We saw 3 pairs of yellow eyed penguins; one came hopping over the hills from the beach calling for and meeting his mate. We saw a private moment as they seemed to enjoy a penguin “hongi” billing and cooing.
The following day the weather was stormy so we went to the Dunedin Farmers’ Market in the morning to stock up on provisions for the next little while as we are staying in a cottage on the Banks Peninsula. Dunedin has a strong Scottish presence with those solid stolid buildings and wide streets. We enjoyed visiting their impressive art gallery then returned to our little farm cottage for tea and a ginger slice from the market. I just love these and have never had them elsewhere. They are definitely worth the calories.
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