Royal Albatross in Flight

The albatross don't fly unless it's windy. Luckily for us, it was a blustery day and we were treated to a thrilling aerial ballet as albatrosses soared over our observation area. Their wingspans can reach 9.5 feet. They can stay aloft for months at a time and cover thousands of miles. We were at Taiaroa Head on the Otago Peninsula, the only mainland breeding colony of these magnificent birds. Google them for even more fascinating facts.