Sat 16 Jan 2016 Akaroa

Summary:
Our last full day in NZ turned out cold and drizzly. We took the opportunity to do as much as possible despite the miserable weather. We were out of the door before 9am, walking to the wharf to book a cruise out to the harbour. Unfortunately the sailing cruise wasn't running (not much winds that day), so we ended booking with another cruise. We then headed down to the local Saturday market before boarding on the boat. We were greeted by the cutest dog wearing a life jacket!

Hector, the Kent terrier
As we headed out of Akaroa Harbour, we saw several Hector dolphins which are only found in 4 areas in NZ. They are quite a small dolphin 1-2-1.4m with quite a rounded body shape. Their most distinctive feature is their dosal fin which is rounded. We also saw some interested sea caves and other rare geological features (didn't understand/hear most of it) along the coast. We also past some NZ fur seals lazing around. As we headed back, we saw a most unusual creature. It was a very relaxed little penguin floating on the water, preening himself!
Little white flippered penguin
After geeting lunch from the fish shop on the wharf, we headed to the 'Giant's House', so called because a little girl thought the big house at the top of the hill looked like it belonged to a giant. The artist who lives in the house started the garden 18 years ago and has transformed it into an amazing garden (lots of productive trees and plants between the ornamental plants) with colourful and vibrant mosaic sculputres, benches, retaining walls, steps etc. It'd be easy to lose oneself in the garden as it has lots of nooks and cranny despite not being particularly large (no more than 1/2 acre).
Mosaic sculptures

We then stopped by the lighthouse and most of the tourist shops before heading back to have dinner at a local restaurant called Ma Maison. We thought we'd get into the vibe of all things French however the most French part of the menu was an entree of duck liver pate. It did serve lovely modern cuisine though.

Highlights:
MK: Seeing Hector, the Kent terrier, on the cruise.
MJ: Cruise in Akaroa harbour.
MH: Penguin floating around in the water preening itself.

Logbook:
08:30 (2325 km) Breakfast of baked beans and spaghetti.
09:15 (2325 km) Walk around Akaroa markets.
10:15 (2326 km) Akaroa Dolphins cruise. Saw dolphins, Elephant Rock, seals, penguin.

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12:30 (2326 km) At the Main Wharf, bought fresh fish and chips, fish sandwiches and seafood chowder for lunch.
13:47 (2328 km) The Giant's House. There were wonderful mosaic sculptures all over the garden.



14:45 (2332 km) Akaroa lighthouse.
14:57 (2332 km) Akaroa shops.
15:42 (2334 km) Akaroa Waterfront Motel.
19:00 (2334 km) Dinner at Ma Maison Restaurant. Had blue cod, pork belly, venison, burger and chicken.