Swimming with Dolphins and a starry night

Wed Jan 20:

Swimming with dolphins in the morning. We got on wetsuits and aboard the boat at 11am, and went out into the bay in search of friendly dolphins to swim with. No, really, and not just any dolphins, but the world’s smallest -- called Hector’s Dolphins – and they’re only found in NZ. After enjoying the town’s little museum and learning all about the peninsula’s fascinating geology and history (Wolsey, the captain of Shakleford’s Endurance, was a native of Akoroa), got on the bus at 6pm for the drive to the Banks Penninsula hike (tramp).

This hike was established in the 80s by a group of farmers as a creative way to both preserve their land and make more money. NZ now was dozens of these. They only allow 12 trampers/day. We lucked out and were with an incredibly friendly and fun group of 4 couples from Ashburton.


Stayed at a beautiful set of huts for the night. The girls opted to stay in a Stargazer variety. In the morning Claire wondered why are there stars on top of clouds? She was seeing the Milky Way for the first time.