Kaikoura

Late afternoon arrival at our stunning location of Kaikoura.

Kai - food
Koura - Crayfish
Kaikoura!

After unpacking we spent some time at the old/new wharf. A small area with some old rustic buildings - shellfish processing factories and this old crane. A great place for some line fishing and to watch the sun go down behind the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. Normally alot more snow for this time of the year but not today, however the air was brisk and cold, jackets and scarves were required.

The surrounding waters are a very important sanctuary for a diverse range of wildlife. Crayfish, Sperm Whales, Fur Seals, Hutton's Shearwater and other sea birds, playful dolphins and penguins can be found here.

Kaikoura was the first European settlement to establish a whaling station in the early 1840's. Tourists from all over the world now flock to Kaikoura to view the mighty Sperm Whale in its natural habitat when once the whalers came to hunt them. Pervious to this time records show that early Maori settlers occupied the Kaikoura coast in the 16th century, there are at least 14 known Pa sites on the peninsula.

Gourmet pizza for tea and a quiet evening in front of the heater - it was cold!!!

Quite good in large, just hit the magnifing glass :)