Smelly Seals and a Whale of a Tail

In New Zealand you are surrounded by nature. You are constantly being reminded of that with every chirp of the birds, the ocean views in every direction, the blowing breeze and the smell of seals! Recently we went on a beach tramp to Red Rocks where we were so close to the seals we could actually smell them. That was a new experience for me. Aside from their smell, it was amazing to be so close to the seals. And there were hundred of them! At first glance I didn't even noticed them because their dark fur blended so well with the dark rocks. But, once I started noticing the "moving" rocks and hearing them fight it was hard not to notice them everywhere along the beach. Being there with so many seals and so few humans made it feel like we had just discovered the seals' secret hideaway.

Aubri at the Red Rocks outcropping. 

Fur seals!

Lazy and stinky fur seals. 

It's hard to see on this rocky beach, but many fur seals are napping on those rocks. 

While living in Wellington there have been a few whale sightings. Southern Right Whales have even been in the harbour on two different occasions. But, unfortunately I have never seen any. It is a dream of mine to see a whale. Seriously, ever since I did a report on Grey Whales in the 5th grade I have been a little obsessed with wanting to see a whale. After a year of living here and spending countless hours starring at our view of the harbour I have finally seen Orcas, on two different occasions. 

The first one, was during school holiday. I had heard rumours that there were some orcas near the beach. So Eva and I went on a tramp to see them. We totally lucked out. From the tops of the hills we could look down and see about five orcas swimming along the coastline. 

On another evening Lucy and I had an up close sighting of orcas. We had heard people had seen them all day in various parts of the harbour. So, we drove around the beaches hoping to spot some. We saw quite a few. There was even a baby. 

The orca dorsal fin and a confetti of sea gulls flying around. 

One of my favourite parts of nature here is the sound of the water pulling back from the rocks on the beaches. It makes a loud tinkling sound. There is even a Maori word to describe it, kirikiri tatangi. If you say kirikiri fast enough it even mimics the sound the water on the rocks makes. Here is a video I took trying to capture this sound: 

Going Full-Kiwi

Our Kiwi eating her kiwis

After a year of living in New Zealand I have finally tried some very Kiwi things, Weet-Bix and Rugby. I now know that both are wonderful.

The breakfast bricks of champions 

It took me a year to be willing to try Weet-Bix because it looks so weird. It is a brick, the size and shape of a granola bar. They are sold in a short stocky box that is literally stacked with bricks of Weet-Bix. To eat for brekkie (breakfast) you place 2 bricks in a bowl and pour milk over them.  I imagined it would taste like cardboard. But, I was wrong. It's good. It tastes kind of like Wheaties, but less sweet. Now I know why they don't sell Wheaties here. How could they? Weet-Bix are so common place and popular that Wheaties just couldn't compete. I think they are pretty fantastic.

I won't be surprised to find out that all the All Blacks Rugby players were raised on Weet-Bix. A bowl full of Weet-Bix definitely makes you feel like you can tackle anything or anyone that comes your way. Here is a video for fun.

Stephen and I went to our first rugby match. It was the All Blacks verses the South Africa Springboks. Before the match the field looked like a gym with all the players doing all sorts of exercises and stretches. Then the players left the field to dress in their game uniforms and the pageantry on the field began. There were people dressed in traditional Maori costumes performing. The army brought out huge flags of each of the teams. Performers sang both national anthems. Then the teams took the field. First the Springboks then the All Blacks. Then the All Blacks preformed their famous Haka and the match was set to begin.

Maori traditions before the match

The All Blacks Flag

Rugby kind of has the feel of American football with tackling. But with elements of kicking like soccer and volleying the ball like volleyball and stunts like cheering leading. Rugby is very creative in that sense. Even when the player with the ball is tackled to the ground the play just keeps on going. The players did all sorts of creative means to keep the ball in play. It was enjoyable to watch them play. And you really have to watch closely because the games moves quickly and there is no announcer telling you what is going on.

The All Blacks were ahead with more tries (points) and ready to win the match until literally the last minute. Then South Africa earned a try and tied the match. And it ended just like that as a tie. No overtime to determine a victor. Just an unsatisfactory tie. Both left winners and losers.

Date night with the All Blacks 

As a side note, a lady in our ward who also lives in our neighbourhood is the Ambassador of South Africa in New Zealand. One night for dinner she hosted the whole South African Springbok Rugby team at her home. She said they loved the food she served because they are on a very strict diet, but at her house they were allowed to eat as much of anything they wanted. She also said even the smallest member of the team was huge.