On Tuesday 28th April, our Year 12 Tourism classes journeyed to Akaroa to experience a uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand Tourism activity.
We were very lucky to have a beautiful, still day with constant sunshine for our picturesque and relaxing two- hour bus trip over to Akaroa Peninsula. We made a quick stop at the Little River Rail Station to see the old steam train, then continued on so we would be on time for our 10:30 am harbour cruise.
We were greeted by calm, sparkling blue sea in Akaroa Harbour, and enjoyed seeing the historic Akaroa buildings, lighthouse and whalepots (trypots) along the foreshore.
The Black Cat Akaroa Nature Cruise is a peaceful and scenic trip that navigates past the stunning cliffs to the edge of the harbour to see the open sea of the Pacific Ocean, then back through the harbour to the wharf. Thankfully, this year we had very calm seas (last year was a bit choppy).
We saw White-flippered Penguins (Eudyptula minor albosignata), a rare variant of the Little Blue Penguin endemic to the Canterbury region, and some Fur Seals, including baby ones! Unfortunately, we did not see any of the famous Hector’s Dolphins that also frequent this area. Hopefully next time!
Thanks to Jayne Dewe for supervising with me, and to the wonderful students who attended.
Miss Kate Hamilton
