kaikoura

My next stop has been Kaikoura. It wasn't to great weather wise when i arrived, overcast with heavy, grey, rain filled-clouds. Even though it was raining as i drove into Kaikoura it didn't disguise the attractiveness of the town and its fine setting beneath coastal cliffs.I'm staying in a quite a nice Motel right on the front with a view over the bay. Quickly settling in, i was soon ready for my tour with Maori Tours Kaikoura. I've been really hoping to absorb some of the Maori people and their history. I couldn't have had a better introduction and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon with Maurice and Jacqui. Maurice was a very entertaining and knowledgeable guide with a lovely relaxed attitude.He and Jacqui made everyone feel totally at ease and gave us a wonderful insight into Maori history, culture and their family backgrounds. We felt really thrilled and privileged to be welcomed into Maurice's family home to meet his wife Heather who laid on a delicious afternoon tea. The combination of our hosts and the interesting content of the tour and activities made for a wonderful day. The weather improved as the afternoon wore on and the cloud lifted to reveal high mountains sloping right down into the sea right across the bay from our motel.What an unexpected but glorious sight!

The next morning I woke up to find that the mountains opposite were covered in snow! It looked awesome!
It was a nice day, and i'd been told of i good walk round the peninsula via the seal colony at Key Point. with cool southerly wet and windy fronts sweeping over in between clear sunny spells. Really great day, however it felt a little like getting four seasons in one day. lol

One of the delicacies of this area is crayfish and i bought some for tonight. Although i am still eating out more than i should, but when there's such fresh sea food on offer it's mad not to!!

another glorious morning of clear, sunny skies and i decided to have a leisurely day. Along the road towards the end of the peninsula is little pink Fyffe House, an old whaler's cottage now owned by the NZ National Trust. I had intended to go there before or after my walk the previous day but didn't make it. So i headed for this historic building -and a little treasure it was. The history is documented right back to the original owners -George Fyffe originally from Perthshire who unfortunately had a short life in NZ - and the two subsequent families who lived in the house. i then headed to Marlborough country's southernmost winery on the outskirts of Kaikoura where we didn't take the tour (seen enough vineyards) but bought a couple of bottles instead.

I Had a really nice meal! went to the Pier Hotel - just down the road (having been moved many years ago from its original position next to Fyffe House) - for a thoroughly enjoyable meal of scallops, salmon, venison and grouper.Delicious!

I've been here nearly a week now. There is something really relaxed about. I shouldn't but i'm going to stay another couple of days or so.. Then i really must head to Christchurch!!