Kayaking with Seals

Tauranga winemaker Tim Taylor, 24, has kayaked almost 1km on his attempt to be the first person to complete a solo circumnavigation of New Zealand. Taylor has been travelling for 25 days, paddling for about 12 hours each day and setting up camp on shore each night. Along the way, he’s been followed by dolphins and has spotted seals swimming around him. Taylor said his body was holding up well so far. “I’ve got pretty good calluses going on so as long as I’m careful with my hands, making sure that they get dried at night time, they seem to be treating me pretty well,” he said. Taylor will continue across Cook Strait, around Stewart Island, up to Cape Reinga, and hopes to complete the 5281km trip by the end of March.