Albatross & Blue Penguins

The unusual Moeraki Boulders along the seashore. These round rocks are septarian concretions which have been exposed from mudstone enclosing them by erosion. Local Morai legend is that these are the remains of eel baskets washed ashore after a large canoe wreck.


We have been heading up the east coast of the South Island during the last 3 days and have almost reached Christchurch (the largest city on the South Island). The weather the first 2 days was probably the worst we have experienced so far – fog, drizzle, hail, and rain – but today was a beautiful day as the sun came out and brightened everything.

Two days ago we started out by visiting the Royal Albatross Centre at the end of Otago Peninsula. From an enclosed viewing area we were able to see 3 or 4 of these great birds sitting on nests and 2 more soaring thru the air. We then drove to Oamaru and at dusk we were mesmerized watching over 200 small rare blue penguins come ashore for the night. What a great sight to watch them make their way from shore to their nest and waiting mate with their 2 hungry chicks demanding to be fed (at times almost pushing over the adult with the food).

Today we traveled over the flattest place in New Zealand and then back into mountains before reaching Akaroa southeast of Christchurch. We continue to see what seem like millions of sheep. At one time there were over 70 million of them here, but there are fewer now since many farmers have switched to the more profitable dairy cows

Along the way we, or course, managed to stop at 2 quilt shops and see 3 lighthouses (one which required a kilometer hike along the coast to reach it), plus see the largest jersey (sweater) in the world.

One additional note: It is pleasant to be in smoke free holday/motor camps since it seems that people can go camping here without feeling it necessary to build a fire.

A royal albatross sitting on the nest. The albatross is a very large bird (about 10 ft. wingspan) and spend most of their time circumventing the southern seas coming on land only to breed and raise their young every 2 years. After leaving the nest they fly 5 or 6 years without ever landing on land and start breeding after about 8 years.

Blue penguins. These small penguins (only 10-12 inches high) leave their mate about 4:30 in the morning and swim out about 10-15 kilometers and fish all day. They then return when it is almost dark since they feel safer then). This is a photo of a picture since they did not permit any photography at the viewing site. Photo by Len Doel.

Blue Penguin Crossing sign – We had to watch as we drove away from the viewing site since some late arriving penguins crossed the road in front of us.

Royal Spoonbill. With their spoon-shaped bills food is located by touch, so they can feed at night. They move forward sweeping with their bills to trap small fish, insects, crustaceans etc.