Coloured...

……………………......….….Salt Ponds


Travelling north from Kaikoura we stopped at Lake Grassmere Saltworks, near Blenheim, NZ,  in the hope of seeing pink/red/mauve settling ponds, a phenomenon that happens over the hot dry summer months in the crystallisation ponds. It is caused by natural microscopic green algae that changes to pink in the high salt concentration. As you will see by the photos of the saltworks (main blip and in extras)  a number of the ponds were in shades of pink while several were a distinctive reddish colour, and others were shades of blue/green. 

Before leaving Kaikoura this morning we drove to the hilltop viewing platform on the peninsular to enjoy the spectacular views one last time - see the last three extra photos showing South Bay, Kaikoura township and looking out to sea.

Ohau Point on the Kaikoura coast is well known for seals and today there were many youngsters playing together while the adults, predominately females, slept on the rocks. It was lovely watching pups return to their mother to suckle and spend special mother/child time. (Photo in extra)

The colour of the ocean was amazing under the sunny sky showing the layers of greens and blues. Unfortunately there was no high point to stop and get a better photo, but the included sea at Kekerengu gives you an idea of its beauty.


Thank you for the lovely comments, stars and hearts for yesterday’s seal at Point Kean on the Kaikoura peninsular. Not a baby, but still very young.

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