Otago Peninsula

So today was a trip to the Otago Peninsula which is just a short distance from Dunedin. In fact, Dunedin lies at the base of the harbor going out to sea. To drive to the tip of the harbor takes about 45 minutes.

We first drove out to the Albatross Colony which is the only remaining colong in the world. Apparently these birds are at risk of becoming extinct and New Zealanders, especially those in Dunedin, are extremely proud of their Albatross. We then took a trip out to the Pacific where we were able to get out and walk down to the beach to see yellow-eyed penguin, sea lions, and fur seals! AMAZING!! They were so cute and I have some amazing videos of these animals on here for you. It's so strange to see the penguins walking in from the ocean, up onto the land and then mingling with the sheep!

Tomorrow is Waitangi Day so it is a holiday for everyone here. It appears as though it is similar to Labor Day as every store is having sales, etc. A brief history from google "Every year on 6 February, New Zealand marks the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. In that year, representatives of the British Crown and over 500 Maori chiefs signed what is New Zealand’s founding document. The day was first officially commemorated in 1934, and it has been a public holiday since 1974"

Here are some penguins and other sights!