Two weeks have passed since I stepped in New Zealand. Seeing so much, experiencing so much, walking so much, it's almost the end of the trip already. Sad to say that Kaikoura will be the last stop we'll be making before we're back in Christchurch.
Nonetheless, there's still a lot more to see, experience and walk in Kaikoura! A town abundant of sea wildlife with snow capped mountains rising to over 2600m so close to the sea.
Morning in Picton. Looks like it snowed the day before (I talked about how cold it was with the rain and hail falling in Picton). The peak there turned white as compared to when we first reached Picton
here.
The bus waiting at the Interislander ferry terminal.
We left Picton at around half past 9 and went toward the direction of Kaikoura. The ride began with lots of winding mountainous roads and slowly descending and heading out to the coastal road where it was much smoother and straight.
Vineyards again.
Driving on the curvy road.
Back in the flat plains after almost 2 weeks in mountainous area.
Reached the coast looking out to the Pacific Ocean.
Finally in the town of Kaikoura. Look at those pretty mountains at the back!
After getting off the bus and collecting our backpacks, we went to look for the accommodation and checked-in. Then looked for lunch which we had in a cafe called Why Not Cafe.
Outside Why Not Cafe.
Clock statue outside the i-Site building.
We went to take a walk around the Kaikoura Peninsula which had good views overlooking the town and the surrounding mountains, and also the smelly seal colony!
Beautiful purple flora.
The Kaikoura Seaward mountain range seen from the beach.
The Kaikoura Peninsula.
We went for the short but steep Dempsey Track up to the hills of the Kaikoura Peninsula. Once up at the hill, we walked on the road, as there were no pavements, to the Kaikoura lookout point.
Up the steep slope.
At the lookout area. I think that's a water storage tank.
Looking at the south bay of Kaikoura.
The beauty of nature at its best.
Another tourist admiring the wonderful views.
We decided to go down the hill to the seal colony to take a look at them. We reached a point where we had to climb over a stretch of electric fence. There wasn't a sign that told us to climb over but I thought we should just try it anyhow!
The yellow sign pointing to Fyffe Quay but there wasn't a track in sight so I thought that we should cross over the fence and walk down.
There was something for us to step over too.
Running down the slope!
For a moment when I saw this wooden sign I thought it was the Shire in Lord of the Rings.
Walking to the seal colony which is located at the end of the road.
A row of cars parked by the road side to have some food from the carts.
On the boardwalk which is almost to the end of the road, just about another 15 minutes walk.
The smell got really strong but no seals were in sight yet. Just the smell of their habitat that was very strong. It was only after about 50 meters we get to spot the first seal lazing on the sand.
First seal spotted.
More came later on.
Some even came ashore and lay on the grass sleeping.
On the boardwalk too!
And also right in front of a car.
There is a walkway circulating the Kaikoura Peninsula. Not wanting anymore tiring walks, we didn't complete the entire track, just up to the first highest point and looked at the scenery before going back down.
Saw a seal swimming in the sea! Can you see it?
The underwater canyon that plunges to more than 800 meters deep into the ocean.
Back on sea level, walking back to the town.
Many tourists snapping pictures of the seals!
The food cart that we passed by earlier.
Saw a couple more seals while walking back.
Kaikoura is definitely worth visiting even if its for a few hours or a few days! I will miss this place and won't mind coming back again in the future if there's a chance to.
On top of the newly painted stall, there was even a set of table and chairs for customers to eat!
