Derek's New Zealand Blog 2012
Thursday 19th January
Drove into Mosgiel with Chris for some wood for the minibus living space. Constructing the Beds/Seats.
Drove along the Otago Peninsular in the evening with Kay & Brent to look for the public hide alongside the Yellow Eyed Penguin Colony. Brent drove along the high level scenic route to Portobello, with stunning views over Otago Harbour, towards Sandfly Bay and along shore of Hoopers Inlet.
Continued through Portobello Village and past Harwood village again, towards Revone Beach, looking for Yellow Eye Penguin signs. Took Pipikaretu Road towards Pipikaretu Beach but was blocked by companies willing you to pay for their transport. As it was near sunset we decided to look around Taiaroa Head and parked in the huge car park. Wind very strong and gusty, blowing from south west. Other nature lovers were well prepared by being wrapped up warmly. It seemed strange at first, then I got cold and shivery. Walked to the more sheltered east of the head and saw a couple of Albatrosses souring over the lighthouse while I passed hundreds of juvenile Red Billed Gulls, some within inches of your feet.
Investigation revealed that the beach was used by Blue Penguins during the night and they would go ashore at dusk. It was just a case of waiting approx twenty minutes. Sure enough one or two Blue Penguins could be seen as the light faded and the temperature dropped. I took several photos without the flash, but my hands shivered so badly the camera would not focus. I was surprised how small the penguins were, not much bigger than a gull. I expected a standard height of about a metre high. Delighted to have seen my first penguin, we travelled back to Dunedin happy. What a fantastic adventure in New Zealand.
Blue Penguin Sign at Pilots Beach on Taiaroa Head
Drove along the Otago Peninsular in the evening with Kay & Brent to look for the public hide alongside the Yellow Eyed Penguin Colony. Brent drove along the high level scenic route to Portobello, with stunning views over Otago Harbour, towards Sandfly Bay and along shore of Hoopers Inlet.
Ravensbourne from Highcliff Road
Harbour towards Port Chalmers from Highcliff Road
Varleys Hill from Hoopers Inlet Road
Albatross over Taiaroa Head
Red Billed Gull Chicks on Taiaroa Head
Taiaroa Head & Lighthouse
Spotted Shags Nesting on Taiaroa Head Cliffs
Spotted Shags Nesting on Taiaroa Head Cliffs
Sunset over Otago Harbour from Taiaroa Head
Great views of the cliffs from the safety fence. Slowly walked along the fence until a colony of Spotted Shags were visible on the almost sheer rock face. Rabbits also seen in the grass near the top of the cliffs. As it was getting cold and dark we decided to head back to Dunedin. We drove out of the almost empty car park and noticed lots of cars parked nearby at a Pilots Beach sign. As we passed the beach we noticed lots of people by a barrier all dressed for the cold wind. Brent turned the car around and parked with the other cars by Pilots Beach.Investigation revealed that the beach was used by Blue Penguins during the night and they would go ashore at dusk. It was just a case of waiting approx twenty minutes. Sure enough one or two Blue Penguins could be seen as the light faded and the temperature dropped. I took several photos without the flash, but my hands shivered so badly the camera would not focus. I was surprised how small the penguins were, not much bigger than a gull. I expected a standard height of about a metre high. Delighted to have seen my first penguin, we travelled back to Dunedin happy. What a fantastic adventure in New Zealand.
Blue Penguin on Pilots Beach at Taiaroa Head
Sunny & warm
24 degrees C, 25% Cloud
No rain
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