The Opawa River looking South to the Wither Hills
Royal spoonbill relax after frantic feeding on the high tide.
A black swan literally runs on the water before taking flight
I can see you!
We are very happy to have Glenn Lambeth join us as senior kayak guide this season. Glenn’s considerable experience guiding kayaking groups includes working at Outward Bound, New Zealand’s outdoor training and team building specialists.
Glenn joined me on the water to familiarise himself with the unique wildlife and historical features of the Wairau Lagoon.
There was plenty of birds to see including the pied and little cormorants at their nesting colony on Hardings Point, opposite the Wairau Bar. Also flocks of royal spoonbill who seem to be starting to circulate again after their nesting on the islands further south.
We were also very surprised to see the leopard seal which made itself at home at the Lagoon. We thought it was a log but on closer inspection it looked at us!
Glenn suggested we offer a beach cooked meal including cockles gathered from the sand, washed down with a glass of local wine. I am certainly up for trying that!
If you would like to know more about the Lagoon and the fascinating history of this area click here to read more.