Woke up to cloud and grey skies but no rain. We decided to go to the Royal Albatross sanctuary at the end of the Otago Peninsular. It’s only half an hour drive away.

Again this is the remains of a volcano and we drove over the top of the mountain and down to the coast. There were lots of small bays with sand and mud flats and many sea birds to see on the way there. We saw 2 spoonbills digging in the mud, I’ve never seen one before and was very excited to see them.

Then we saw 2 pied shags drying out on a boat house..more photo opportunities!

Eventually after going slowly to spot herons black swans and more we reached the Albatross Centre.

We had to go up to the observatory in small groups and viewed 4 albatross nesting on eggs and caring for their babies. They have a wing span of 9 feet! When they leave their parents they fly for 5 years before returning to here to find a life long mate. If you want to know more about them ask me I learnt a lot today ha ha!

At the base of the cliffs we saw seals and I’m told penguins swim in every evening.      ( ??)

On the way back to the hotel we booked ourselves in for a round the headland boat tour tomorrow. Hope the weather is good to us!

My photos are improving but my arm shakes too much! Really enjoying the outdoor life here.