29th January Penguin Potential in Timaru

After our second flight, this one arriving in Christchurch, New Zealand mid morning, we got through passport control without any hitches. Probably because we basically declared everything to avoid the possibility of any $400 fines! We've seen the Border Control programme and what happens to people who bring in undeclared fruit and veg. We were chatting to one of the Border Control staff who told us that they were apparently filming today. But as we declared everything we won't be starring this time in it.

Just off the plane. Not looking too jet lagged.

After picking up our hire car we drove to Timaru, about 2 hours south of Christchurch.  Stopping halfway in Ashburton for a coffee and milkshakes. 

You may have previously noticed that we have names for our cars at home so we just had to give our hire car a name. What do you think we called it? Well it could only be .... Mia (as in Mama)!!

Tonight we stayed in a Top 10 holiday park in Timaru with the idea that we might see some penguins.

They've thoughtfully labelled the pavements. Either to tell the penguins where to go or for us to get a good viewing spot.

On the lookout.

A penguin warden on duty stopped for a chat with us. Apparently we based ourselves above a nest so there was a possibility of some coming out as well as some returning from the sea. Unfortunately despite staying until gone 10 we didn't see any. We abandoned staying longer as eyes were shutting and trying to sleep standing up was a challenge 😅.

Maybe we'll have better luck tomorrow in Oamaru.