Day #9 Christchurch to Akaroa

We took an hour or so to visit the botanical gardens in Christchurch before heading to Akaroa to swim with the dolphins. The gardens are quite extensive, and perhaps, we will visit again when we return later this month.

in the rose garden

in the rose garden

in the rose garden

a quail in the rose garden

botanical garden

botanical garden

botanical garden

the sign says,
"Hot Do Not Eat"

We needed to get across the mountains to get to Akaroa for our dolphin experience. Akaroa was an area settle by French immigrants. The town still reflects the French past.

Frank Worsley was born in Akaroa. He served as captain on the Ernest Shackleton's failed Antarctic expedition in 1914-1916. He was one of the men who went for help and rescued the stranded crew.

Frank Worsley

We were on time for our dolphin experience, but the check in person tried to dissuade us from taking the cruise as the 2 morning trips saw no dolphins. The likelihood of swimming with dolphins was less than low. We opted to take the swimming with dolphins cruise. We squeezed into wet suits and boarded our vessel. We saw quite a few dolphins but when we slowed the boat to enter the water, they swam away. Was it something I ate?

our dolphin boat

we saw Hector Dolphins

In any event it was a great dolphin viewing experience. The dolphins are Hector Dolphins, unique to New Zealand.

Later Randeen went for a swim in the bay. Later she discovered it was not a swimming area.