S&J Scenic Journeys

  New Zealand     South Island     Kaikoura Kaikoura is the last stop on our epic 3 month New Zealand trip.  This location was for a bit of relaxation before we head home and our last chance to see some New Zealand wildlife.  And boy did it not disappoint!! Kaikoura Penninsula from Whale Watching Plane For us, our last stop was all about the wildlife.  We booked a kayaking tour and whale watching tours both from a boat and from a plane (hoping we might increase our chances of seeing a whale).  We were lucky on the boat to see a large male sperm whale. Male Sperm Whale Male Sperm Whale Tail Male Sperm Whale Tail Kaikoura has a deep portion of ocean very close to the shore called Kaikoura Canyon.  This deep section of ocean is year round home to several sperm whales.   Sperm whales like the rich food source present in this canyon, particularly large squid.  The male sperm whale is mostly a solitary mammal.  This canyon ...

  New Zealand     South Island  Christchurch and surrounding area Snow capped mountain view from the Tranz Apine Scenic Train On our way to Christchurch we stopped at at Rakaia Gorge. Rakaia Gorge The water was so brilliant blue, but oh my goodness was it windy! Rakaia Gorge From there we drove over to Washpen Falls.  It is a waterfall on private land, but the owners of the farm allow the public to hike back to the waterfall for a small fee ($10) that is deposited in an honesty box.  They have restrooms, maps and information about the falls and the area surrounding the falls.  The path is well marked and the waterfall is very pretty!  But bring your bug spray or bug wipes, because the sandflies at the waterfall are VICIOUS.  Washpen Falls Washpen Falls Washpen Falls Washpen Falls We had the waterfall all to ourselves while we were there, which was really cool. Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island and second largest city by pop...