Thursday, November 4, 2010

orcas

Since moving to Auckland, we've heard stories from various people about seeing orcas in the Auckland Harbour. Well, today was our lucky day to get our own sighting. On the ferry ride home from work, Lonnie saw a pod of orcas from within a few hundred feet of the boat. When he arrived home and told me, we threw the kids in the car and drove in the direction of where the orcas were heading.

Sure enough, the orcas stayed fairly close to the shoreline, and we were able to spot them first from the road along Torpedo Bay in Devonport. We then drove up North Head to get a view as they swam out toward Rangitoto, a small volcano in the bay.

This was the main pod, but there was at least one other whale following the group from behind.


There were at least two calves in the pod.


As you can see in this photo, Auckland Harbour is narrow between the city and Devonport (where we live). According to the New Zealand Herald, the orcas were spotted at various points through the harbour this afternoon.

7 comments:

  1. That is so cool. I think that Aukland is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I loved visiting there 10+ years ago :) I am slightly envious of all of your travels. So happy for you though.

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  2. Pretty cool! Once I was backpacking along the shoreline of Washington and saw whale spouts out in the distant ocean. I think that was the coolest thing I have ever seen!

    I love that last picture of the city.

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  3. So cool! Glad you were able to see them!

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  4. How cool!! The city looks beautiful too!

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  5. When we lived in Washington State we got to go whale watching, and saw Orcas. Seeing Shamu at Sea World has never been the same for me. I love that you and the kids got to have that experience, it's one that you will never forget. Miss ya!!!

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