Kiwi travels by Lemmo

After a looong drive from the West coast, we stopped at Hanmer Springs for a bit of R & R.  Despite the rain (yes - still), we pulled on our swimsuits and spent a morning bathing in the natural thermal springs - jumping between rock pools varying in temparature between 30 - 41oC...  This was just what the doctor ordered!  To wrap up the day we found a posh curry house for dinner; sampled 4 top-notch curries with local beer and wine.  Almost like being back at home!

Kaikoura was our next stop.  First - 3 days tramping along the Kaikoura Coast Track, whilst staying on local farms overnight.  Our route took us up to mountain peaks and down to sea level along the beach.  We walked through bush, conservation areas and farmland (including some flocking bullocks - ahem - that seemed particularly aggrieved by Elle's bright red raincoat and chased us half way across a field), seeing all sorts of wildlife along the way and beautiful views and scenery.  Two Hector's dolphins joined us on the second day whilst we walked along the beach, playing in the surf along the shore.  We had 1 glorious sunny day and 2 rainy and windy days.  By the end of it, we were knackered and in need of a hot bath.  We had a great time - it's so good to be outdoors in a country like this one.

Next, we stopped in Kaikoura town to do some whale watching.  We were lucky enough to sight a sperm whale within 30 minutes of leaving dock.  The thing was huge and bobbed on the surface for about 10 minutes before waving goodbye with it's tail as it dived back down.  By this time, the swell was heavy and half the passengers were being sick over the side or in the copious amount of sick bags they laid on!!  (Not us, I hasten to add - well, maybe Elle a little...).  On the way back to base we saw another pod of 3 Hector's dolphins that played in our boat's wake for about 15 minutes.  They seem to like us, as we have seen them three times so far this trip and they're supposed to be very rare!

We're particularly looking forward to the next 3 days - we have wine tasting in the Marlborough region and the rugby semi's to watch!!  Excellent combination.  (P.s. there are a lot of long faces over here since the All Blacks were knocked out last week!  Oh well...)

Tom & Elle x