Travelling South

And so it’s time to change islands - we’re taking the Interislander across the Cook Strait to Picton. I’ve been praying for a good crossing; you may remember our last experience of these seas was less than calm, and I’m pretty sure the Silver Muse was a more comfortable mode of transport than the ferry. 

I need not have worried. It’s a beautiful day, with calm seas - though a very busy ferry. We’re told all crossings are fully booked until mid February. To be honest, I’m not feeling at my best, but we eventually manage to find a seat and I use the time to edit photos - until that is we reach Queen Charlotte Sound when we join everyone up on deck for the glorious sail into Picton, passing steeply wooded hills and turquoise bays. 

We take a scenic drive through the area, before setting off on SH1 down the east coast to Kaikoura. Here in the eastern rain shadow, land seems strangely parched with gold replacing green - but then we reach the sea, and it’s mile upon mile of turquoise  ocean. 

The weather’s really moved up a notch today, and the temperature’s hitting 30, so a stop for an ice cream treat at a beach side cafe is most welcome before we embark on the final stage of our journey. Here the  road runs alongside railway line and sea, repaired after the devastation of the 2016 earthquake which devastated the area. There is now a series of carefully designed stopping areas, landscaped and decorated with sculptures depicting various Māori stories with references to the history and culture of the coast. We stop and enjoy the views over this gorgeous coastline with seabirds and seals - though these are nothing in comparison to those we saw in Cape Palliser a few days ago. 

And then, just before we reach Kaikoura, we turn inland for our accommodation for the next two nights - Te Mahuru Retreat - a beautifully situated property in landscaped gardens, set against the majestic mountains that are the town’s back cloth. It’s so gorgeous here, we decide to get a takeout from the town, buy some wine, and spend the evening sitting outside. 

My main’s a shot of the coast towards Kaikoura, with extras of some pied shags and of the grounds of our accommodation.