New Zealand...it's not just fun in the sun...

New Zealand is not just fun in the sun....it's fun in the rain too!  We have been blessed with unbelievable weather.  Today we had typical NZ weather and experienced a bit of a downpour during our kayaking adventure in Okarito.  We traveled to Hokitika and saw the National Kiwi Center.  They had an enclosure in the dark with kiwis which are nocturnal.  No photos were allowed- the cameras scare the kiwis! 

We ended our day in Okarito- a small seaside village with only 35 residents!  We were expecting rain so the girls knew to dress warmly.  We kayaked across a lagoon and into a river at the base of the Southern Alps.  The birds were amazing!  The girls saw several Scaupa, white herons, and black swans.  We were also able to look at the two different shores of the river- with completely different plants- all due to the soil composition from a retreating glacier millions of years ago!  It started to downpour on our way home- apparently typical for the West Coast.  After showering and warming up a bit, Marina, Anthony's wife cooked us another amazing meal- fresh fish, green beans, corn, potatos, and dark chocolate cake with fresh whipped cream (who needs a Kitchen-Aid when you have Conleigh!). 

Tomorrow we will cross back over the Southern Alps to the shores of Lake Wanaka!