Kaikoura

Today we drove down the East coast to Kaikoura. A beautiful hot sunny day with stunning scenery along the way. We stopped at Ohau Point to see the seals. There were many colonies to be seen with families of seals with their pups bathing in rock pools.

After a quick lunch we took a hike around the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, an 11 Kilometer walk around the coast, taking 3 hours. It was very very hot and tiring, but worth it to see the wildlife and more dramatic scenery.

Now back at the van and looking forward to a shower and a beer!

Havelock day 2

Today we took a walk along the Motuweka walkway, which was really just a pathway along a spit around the natural harbour which is Havelock. The area is a protected area for birds and we saw several varieties including black swans and a pied shag.

Tonight we're going to try another mussels restaurant and hopefully have a better experience!

On our travels again tomorrow down the east coast to Kaikoura where we have booked to go
whale  watching.

Havelock

We drove around the Marlborough coast to Havelock, only took about an hour but has been very wet today. Havelock is the Capital of Green Lip Mussles. So tonight we went to the recommended restaurant The Slip Inn. Unfortunately a bit of a disappointment on the mussles front. Overcooked and rubbery with a range of dodgy toppings. Oh well you cant win them all! However Lindsay hadsome great Fush and Chups -as the locals say.

Fine weather predicted tomorrow, so hope to be out and about again.

Okiwi Bay

Beautiful sunny warm day today. After we left Nelson Lakes we drove up to Nelson and then on up to Okiwi Bay. Have arrived at a very small crowded campsite but in a beautiful location at the head of the bay. Hve had a swim in the sea, quite warm but glad I had my chill cheather suit!

Hope to go exploring more tomorrow around the bay.

Kerr Bay day 2

Today we took the water taxi from the campsite up to the lakehead. We arrived safely despite being partially piloted by Hamish. It was then a three hour tramp along the lakeside alpine forest quite difficult walking at times over exposed tree roots rocks and streams and muddy patches.

Beautiful forest scenery with views accross the lake to the mountains in the background.

Now feeling quie tired but a sense of acheivement to have walked the whole length on lake Rotoiti.

Tomorrow we're moving up to Nelson and then Okiwi Bay.

Kerr Bay -Nelson Lakes National Park

We left our campsite at Hanmer Springs in bright sunshine and drove for about 4 hours north to Nelson Lakes. The scenery as usual living up to and exceeding expectations.

Now arrived at Kerr Bay camp site at the side of Lake Rotoiti. Beautiful location but feel we're going to be bothered by sandflies as very hot and muggy. We've already had a trip to the shop for anti mozzie creams spray and insect killers plus antihistamines!

Our camp is at the side of the lake with beautiful views up into the mountains. Hoping to take a hike tomorrow arround the lake shoreline with Avrael and the kids.

Hanmer Springs

Lovely rainy day, just like Scotland, gorgeous scenery all shrouded in mist.

We decided that we should have a walk in the morning and a laze in the afternoon, so we did just that,

There were some beautiful forest trails where we were protected from the worst rain, and Rogerr took a photo of a particularly beautiful toadstool, and later of a rather ugly van! ( ours!) 

As age is catching up with us we will be going to the hot springs shortly and have a soak before dinner, Roger will rest his knees and my feet should feel the benefit! Treat tonight with dinner out, it was interesting cooking last night as we had not done it in such a confined space for 2 years......will be practising for the next 2 nights when Avrael and the kids join us! Off to Nelson Lakes tomorrow.

Back from the springs.....lovely, puts the old hot  tub to shame!  Makes you sleepy though, do not think we will need much rocking. Night night. Xx