Backpacking Mamasita: Back On The Road

Since my last attempt to see Whales in Kaikoura has been unsuccessful(see previous blog), the operator from "Wings Over Whales" kindly gave free of charge for second attempt to all the passengers that were on the plane. I really wanted to see Whales, so when the next opportunity of long weekend emerged, I booked my flight and made my way back to this 'quiet yet thriving with wildlife' little town.

Flying over Southern Alps

This time I didn't stay the night in Christchurch as I wanted to maximize my time in Kaikoura. So after picking up my rental car, I drove straight there. I stayed at Dolphin Lodge backpackers for two nights. It was a small backpackers with lively atmosphere. I spent the evenings sitting by the fireplace and hung out with other visitors and two cute house cats, Red and Blue. In the morning, I had my breakfast outside on the balcony overlooking the snow-capped mountains. A friendly German girl then joined me for breakfast. We started to talk from A to Z, I love hearing stories from other travelers, their adventures and misadventures. I felt uplifted afterwards. One of many things that I love about Solo Travel is the constant connections with others, whether they are people, nature or wildlife. You are alone but never lonely. There's always strangers you can converse to either at hostels, a park bench or long train rides. It might have never happened had you not been there by yourself. There is always moments of sharing, even if you're on your own.

Red the cat at Dolphin Lodge

Not a bad view to wake up to at Dolphin Lodge

Second time around on the mission of this Whale Watching, we were back, up in the sky, circling above the same trench as we did last time, then finally spotted something on the surface that looked like a log. And then there was another log. As we got bit closer, the Pilot told us they were Sperm and Humpback Whales! I almost pinched myself! Sitting in the front of the plane next to the Pilot for the first time in my life and finally saw Whales beneath me was such a surreal feeling. It was a "once in a lifetime" moment really. Another long life dream was ticked off. We saw when the Whales breathe, showing a spray from its blow hole that can be seen from afar, then its lifted the tail flukes out of the water as he went down for a deep dive. I was beyond stoked! Big shout to "Wings Over Whales" flight operator for giving me this second time around opportunity! The sighting of Whales and some Dusky Dolphins was something that I won't forget for a very long time.

Finally a Whale in sight!

Before we flew up, up and away!

Kaikoura from above

I then drove to Ohau Falls once I managed to keep my calm back from too much excitement in the sky. Ohau Falls is one of to go places for Fur Seal colony. It's about 20 minutes drive from Kaikoura town centre. Beautiful but a bit windy drive with ocean view on your right side for as long as your eyes can see. As I arrived in Ohau Falls, there was short trek to get to the falls that was passing by a stream. It was lovely bush walk. Despite the cold temperature, I really enjoyed the trek, loved the smell of woods, seeing the shaft of light through the trees and all the sounds of the chirping birds around me. Then I started to hear the sound of waterfalls, I was almost there. And here they were, Baby Seals jumping in and out of the water, greeted me with their playful poses and swimming under the freezing waterfall. It was like watching live screening of "Animal Planet" I really could not contain my feelings, the big smile on my cheeks really says it all! There was a lot of Awww moments, cuteness overload. Their big beautiful brown eyes, confidently striking one pose after another. Just by watching them, I was in total bliss . I was aware that the cold started to creeping in but I tried to ignore that feeling and stood there in amazement, not wanting to leave.

Fur Seal Pups

From Kaikoura, I continued driving to Akaroa, a beautiful quaint French town. Since this place is a French Settlement, it was so obvious that all the French theme were all over the town, from shops, street names to historical colonial buildings. It is also known to be the only place in the world where you can swim with the smallest and rarest Dolphin called Hector Dolphins. My visit in Akaroa was short and sweet, I spent my day exploring this tiny town and around the waterfront on foot, taking some photos and eating fish and chips. Maybe next time I'll go back and stay the night.

First glimpse of Akaroa

Beautiful Akaroa

Akaroa, quaint French town

I made my way back to Christchurch and this time instead of staying in my usual hostel, I wanted to try sleeping in Jail. Yes you read that right! Jailhouse Accommodation was used to be a historic prison back in the days up to late 90s before it was converted to hostel and opened to public in 2006. It is voted to be the Top Hostel in Oceania by Hostelworld as well as being consistently recommended place to stay in Lonely Planet. I must admit that I felt a bit intimidated when I stood outside looking at the building, the idea of sleeping in a cell that night just sounded creepy. However my feeling was quickly lifted with all the thrills and the excitements once I entered the building. Friendly receptionist or should I say 'Prison Guard' eased my nerves as he explained all what I needed to know about my stay there. He took me to my cell for the night and I was officially an Inmate. I then went to explore the complex and from my point of view, I think the facilities were great. This place was immaculately clean, it has spacious Dorm room and comfortable bed complete with hot water bottle next to my bed. What more do you need? As I continued walking, I found one original cell that has all the drawings from inmate who was there. It was good to admire them just as you admire art in other galleries. Staying in the Jailhouse was definitely different and unique experience, I quite enjoyed being detained for the night actually! And best thing was, I got to keep the key and managed to unlock myself out the next morning! #prisonbreak lol