Holiday activities

Canterbury Rodeo 2010 in Mandeville

Rodeo is a sport arose out of the working practices of cattle herding in Spain, Mexico and later the United States, Canada, South America and Australia. Today it is a sporting category that consists of several different timed and judge events that involve cattle and horses (even sheep for the kids), designed to test the skill and speed of cowboy and cowgirl athletes who participate.

Weekend at Flea Bay on Banks Peninsula (South East of Akaroa)

After being picked up in Akaroa, we enjoyed a scenic 4WD drive over one of the highest passes on Banks Peninsula with some spectacular and dramatic scenery from crater rim of ancient Akaroa Volcano to volcanic coastal cliffs and Akaroa Lighthouse.

We went kayaking in the afternoon and saw many seals (some of them are enormous in size), birds and a few penguins. For a short time we were accompanied by 4 Hector Dolphins, quite special to see them right next to your kayak.

We stayed the night in a colonial Cottage (no electricity but solar heated water for the showerblock next door and a long drop)

Flea Bay is a small coastal bay nestled between dramatic volcanic headlands and part of Pohatu Marine Reserve. It is home to the largest Little Penguin colony on the mainland. The evening guided tour into the breeding colony to view the White-flippered Penguins was very interesting. Some of those little fellows need a bit of help to survive the first few weeks after hatching. They are hand fed some fish twice a day by the care takers.

The next morning we were dropped off at the top of the hill and than enjoyed a 2h walk down to the bay. That's a beautiful walk trough beech forests and lots of different ferns. Early in the afternoon we were taxied back to Akaroa but before that we had to visit the beach again to collect some shells. The big ones are called Paua. 
Perfect weekend and very good value - recommended!!