Kaikoura to Picton

Kaikoura is the home of the sperm whale, so we had to go and see them. Up to the Whaleway Station, Whaleway Road.

Sperm whales are named after the waxy substance, spermaceti, in their heads. When they reduce the temperature of the wax/oil, which then solidifies it is then heavier than water to enable them to dive. They then stay at the bottom up to 3km deep eating for, on average, 45 minutes. They then warm up the oil, meaning it is lighter than water, thus returning to the top to breathe and rest, floating. The part you can see at the surface is the front 2/3. They stay at the top for 10 to 15 minutes. The dive at the end of the rest is when you see the tail.

They eat a tonne of food each day, mainly giant squid up to 16m long. One washed up on a beach and measured in at 11m.

There were plenty of dusky dolphins coming to check us out and a few common dolphin. Dolphins are very sociable animals and one of the few animals that mate for fun. Apparently in filming, one female was found to mate with 7 different males in one minute!

The northern royal albatross weighing in at 10kg, of which we saw a number, were stunning. With a wingspan of up to 3.6m, they glide huge distances without using much energy. They can travel up to 30,000km without a break. It is thought they can sleep on the wing.

They have no predator but are reducing in numbers through human fishing incidents.

A northern giant petrel and another smaller petrel also visited.

From a chilly boat with a scarf and gloves to shorts in 20 minutes, and we are on our way north.

A quick stop for some crayfish.

Wow! That was amazing!

Aloe!

Next stop at Ohau Point Lookout, a very busy seal colony. Lots of pups playing.

Followed by another amazing scenic coastal drive north. A little inland and we found vines on the rolling hills. The rolling then became much steeper and without vines. On the final bend, the huge flat valley appeared with wineries everywhere. Much more commercial and very flat.

When in Marlborough…..

The Legado 2021 was certainly the winner!

Much less of the vines are covered here. They have much less trouble with birds, whereas other areas that grow fruit have many more birds attracted for this reason. Some vines just had the bottom part where the grapes are netted.

The grapes for bubbles have been picked already. The rest is due to commence in the next week or so, a little delayed due to humidity. A little more dry sun required before they are ready. It will then be 12 hour days for all, the majority being picked by machine.