Spotted Shag - Taiaroa Head, Dunedin

Today was mild as Hubby and I explored the tiny bays of the Otago Harbour.
It was picturesque with calm waters, small fishing boats dotted round the bays with so many small boat sheds on the shoreline, all so different with lots of character.

We headed to the small coastal settlement of Aromoana - meaning 'pathway to the sea'. It was orginally founded by the Otago Harbour Board, established in the 1880s as an ideal pilot station for navigation around the mouth of the Otago Harbour. In the 1950s the town became popular as a beach resort and a rural life village due to the contruction of a mole, to inhibit the spread of tidal sands into the mouth of the Otago Harbour. The mole extends 1200 metres from Aramoana with spectacular views of the Taiaroa Head Lighthouse. The Albatross colony can be seen with binoculars or a good camera! Tourists walk the length of the mole while fishermen and young families fish from the rocks.  

After taking many shots Hubby and I walked back to the car and made our way back along the many bays to the city of Dunedin. We were conscious this was our last full day and with having time on our side decided to explore the Otago Peninsula - the other side of the harbour. The sun was glistening on the blue water, shags were sunning and drying their wings on boat shed steps, a container ship was quietly making its way through the harbour heading out to sea. The scenery was spectacular.

We arrived at Taiaroa Head hoping to walk to the lighthouse, but it was to late in the day. Its connected to the Albatross colony which was closing for the day. Instead we walked out from the carpark and along the cliff face where I was delighted to capture these two in their breeding plumage. Perched very happily on the rugged cliff face preening themselves high above the roaring sea. I was very excited, as I'd not seen a Spotted Shag before. Endemic to NZ and only found in certain areas.

We stood for a while and enjoyed the start of the sunset with many differing colours and cloud formations. On wandering back to the car, an Albatross flew over, I was too slow with the camera!!

On arriving back in the city we met up with Daughter E and V who had been to the Chinese Gardens and on a Cadbury Factory tour - they had a bag full of goodies and huge smiles! We called in to a little pizza place and discussed our days events :)