YOLO New Zealand Day 18 @ Dunedin, Otago Peninsular

Today, we had a morning excursion to Otago Peninsular, home to yellow eyed penguins that were under special care and protection of the wildlife reserve team. Otago Peninsula is located out of town and hence we've signed up for a tour to see the penguins. It was quite interesting ride along the peninsula where the road rose high above the sea and how the vehicle that carried us twisted and turned. Our rides were definitely a bumpy one and we enjoyed it.

Our first destination was Sandfly Bay. Fret not, there were no sandflies. In fact, it was called Sandfly Bay because of the sand that flies over the picturesque dunes. It's a very pretty beach frequented by the sea lions, seals and yellow-eyed penquins. There are also observation hides for us to walk to from which we can secretly view the penquins waddling up from the sea.

As the entire penguin tour was guided, we were given informative details on the habitats where the penguins as well as their daily lifestyle routine. Luckily, for us, our our group was quite small and hence we were able to watch the penguins at ease from the observation hides.

We were also brought to view the wildlife reserves where we sighted different species of birds including owls, kingfisher etc.

Other than viewing the penguins, seals and sea lion lazing around at the private beach, we were offered to take a boat tour in the surrounding waters of the Otago Peninsula, which was really a fantastic option to see some sea life, like dolphins and also the sea birds like the Albatross. It was intriguing to see the seals in groups sunbathing on the rocks as well as the Albatross that appeared from nowhere and swooned right ahead of us. I really enjoyed this boat trip.

Dunedin was our last stop of our trip and I was glad that our journey ended amazingly with this wonderful boat cruise. Till we meet again, New Zealand.

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