Red Beaked Gulls

They didn't like the rain and wind so were a bit miserable. The Albatrosses did like the rain and wind and so were flying above our heads and seemed to be enjoying themselves. The conditions made it almost impossible to photograph them - hence the Red Beaked Gulls.
The Albatross sanctuary is at the head of the Otago Peninsula 45 twisty minutes from Dunedin. We drove out there following dozens of classic cars dating from the 1920's to the 1990's  and hugging the coast for most of the way as the cloud was down and the road along the central crest was difficult in the bits that were open. We did divert to walk along some of the coastal paths and to view the Pyramids - volcanic plugs - but were underwhelmed until we saw the Albatrosses. After waiting for a tour, we saw a brief film and were then led to a hide to view some of the birds sitting on eggs and others that were returning from feeding and about to take up nest duties. It was busy in the hide and the glass we had to view through kept steaming up but the birds were impressive. They were Royal Albatrosses with a 3m wingspan and unbelievable flying skills. They spend the first five years of their flying lives circumnavigating the southern oceans and don't touch land until they return to the place they were born to find a mate.
Later, we returned to damp Dunedin and headed to Speights brewery for some local brews (including some Roaring Meg Pinot Noir for M) and some fantastic NZ Lamb.