NEW ZEALAND – TOURING SOUTH ISLAND

 

The radio DJ announces it's a “glorious day” as I head north towards Kaikoura, I don't disagree.

 

M1 north traverses mostly flat lands as it leaves Christchurch but is soon lined with wineries on both sides.

 

In the distance lies green hills with snow capped mountains in the background.

 

 

After a few kilometers M1 changes character with hills to climb, valleys to descend and curves to negotiate.

 

Along the way yellow flowers cover hills and mountains like a work of art. I don't miss the opportunity to capture more of the stunning landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

Peaking a mountain pass the east coast line comes into view as I begin a curving descent. The beaches present a different beauty here than the earlier ones that I visited.

 

The sand is charcoal gray with a crashing surf and isolated rock formations just of shore.

 

 

 

 

Along some areas of the coast line divers adorn wet suits for spear fishing while further up shore locals participate in “White Net Fishing”.

 

 

I am told by a “fodorite” that there is a limited season for catching white bait which starts about September and goes until end of November. It sell for about $ 90.00 a kilogram so people fish for the season and sell the whitebait to restaurants, fish shops etc. The meat can be made into white bait patties.

Reaching Kaikoura I make my way to Sea Colony to view sea lions a few yards from shore. There is a small population today with a few pups sliding around on distance rocks.

 

Coincidentally I run into a tour bus driver that I met while having dinner last night in Christchurch and she passes on another site further north that's worth a trip.

 

 
Leaving Sea Colony a roadside seafood stand presents an opportunity for lunch.

 

 

 

 

Grilling Hand

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Order Number

 

 

 

 

 

With the sounds of crashing waves and chirping birds I enjoy a NZ$7 grilled fish and rice platter.

 

 

 

In town I finish lunch with another NZ$1 per scoop of “Hokey Pokey” ice cream cone.

About 20 minutes north of Kaikoura is Ohau Scenic Outlook where another colony New Zealand sea lions are basking in sun less than one hundred feet from the highway.

 

There is a posted caution for sea lions on the highway during high tides.

My tour driver tip lies around a curve a few minutes from here at Ohau Waterfall.

 

 

 

Following her suggestion I take a few kiwis with me and walk about 10 minutes to the falls located across the street from the beach.

 

To my surprise there are kids swimming and playing in the tidal pool below the huge waterfall without parental supervision.

 

 

Their parents are about a quarter mile away basking in the sun!

 

I toss them a kiwi and it becomes a toy for these sea lion pups.

 

 

 

 

Having broken the ice we curiously investigate each other and I am fortunate to get up close to a sea lion in it's natural habitat.

 

 

 

I think I even get a smile as I snap a few pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

Heading back south just past Kaikoura I take M70 a slight detour to Christchurch.

 

 

 

 

 

This route takes me towards Hanmer Springs while providing gorgeous close up views of snow capped mountains and deep valleys.

 

 

I pass pastures with sheep grazing and cross many one way bridges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The weather has turned colder and rain is falling as I approach Christchurch with the forecast for snow in the mountains.