Kaikoura

Kaikoura was our favorite stop on the trip. I was berated by Ilona and Karin for only staying one night here. We drove here after the ferry through areas that got more and more spectacular. Kaikoura itself is on the ocean and has mountains and wonderful scenery as a backdrop. It is a medium-sized town, and is known as the headquarters for whale-watching trips. Unfortunately, the storms over the past few days had made the sea very roll-y, so no under-six-year-olds were permitted on the whale watching trips, so we didn't go on one. But there were a lot of other things to do.





The highlight is a sea lion/bird colony just outside of town. We've been disappointed before with our wildlife experiences: we have to be the only people to go to Russell and not see dolphins. So when I got out of the car at the seal colony, I did wonder aloud whether we would see any sea lions. That was about two seconds before I almost tripped over one napping by where we parked. So we definitely saw sea lions and birds, and the area is ridiculously beautiful with mountains in the background and the sea crashing against the rocks.





We then took Alexander to a playground set in one of the most stunning areas you will see. Between the mountains and the sea, with palm trees scattered about, it was wonderful. And of course the Mickey's enjoyed it too.

Dinner that night was one of the best we have had, set in a tavern by the water. Alexander, who had not napped all day, fell asleep in his soup, which gave us a bit more time to enjoy things.

We took lots of pictures, so be sure to check the web album for more.

Kaikoura