For the second year in a row, I decided to go on what is arguably the most thrilling and awesome adventure Kaikoura has to offer – the mighty albatross encounter. Albatross are some of the most incredible birds in the world. Certain species make up the largest wingspan of any oceanic birds in the world, exceeding over three meters long. These birds cross the South Pacific ocean every year, from Australia and New Zealand to the western coast of South America. At 6:00am, Dr. Jogan, Jared and I set sail into the dark, blue waters of the Pacific with our skillful guide, Tracy. She navigated us through choppy waters to a spot about three miles from the coast, and threw fish livers into the water. The result was absolute mayhem, with massive, majestic birds swooping around us, almost recreating a scene from the likes of Jurassic Park. Five hundred pictures and two, full breathtaking hours of nature’s sheer awe later, we returned to land, very glad we participated in this incredible, unique adventure.
