I know the world of animals quite well but when it comes to birds I'm helpless. There is Pia who knows them better and she could tell me quite a lot about those. Anyway, there were lots of birds.

The main attraction is definitely the Royal Albatros Colony. Those huge birds nest on the most inhospitable places. That's why it is such an attraction then to the most other colonies in the world you won't get.

This year it is possible to see six different nest from the observatory house but it isn't too exciting watching birds sitting on their nests. However the weather was awful and a strong wind was blowing which is the weather albatros love. Only then they are flying.

After the albatros colony we intended to wait for a while - why? Because next to the albatros colony, there are little blue penguins nesting. The weather was that nasty that we decided we won't stay and watch those lovely animals and went back to the campground. As soon as we got there, the wind stopped and the sun came out. We drove back and arrived just in time to watch this cute little penguins coming ashore. They are nesting in small holes (sometimes old rabbit holes) on the whole hill and have therefore a long way from the shore to their nests. They are not at all shy and are walking straight through the visitors.

The first stop on the peninsula was the only castle of NZ - the Larnach Castle. An Englishman had too much money and wanted to impress his wife. The castle was impressive!

Before we saw the albatros we did a little hike over a private sheep meadow to the beach. Follow the markers - if they are recognisable! On the beach we observed a sealion while feeding.