Kaikoura to Akaroa

We didn't have much time yesterday to explore Kaikoura so we spent the morning doing a walk around the peninsula which is a high bluff. This area used to be a whaling centre until the 1920's. Now it is whale watching and sheep farming. The name Kaikoura means "food" and "crayfish".

We started off with a climb to the top of the bluffs and followed the trail around the top.

The morning was sunny and provided some terrific views of the surrounding mountains and the seashore below.

We walked to the end of the track at the point where the whale watching tours depart from.

On the way back, we took the trail down to the rocky seashore to look in the tidal pools and watch the fur seals. Monte the Moose says "Don't disturb the seals" and I believe him after one growled at me. Big teeth. Luckily they can't move too fast.

We saw a few interesting sea birds. This one, a Stewart Island shag.

A few more great views....

Also a compact yellow lighthouse.

Returning to the car we departed and headed southward on Hwy 1.

The first bit was a very scenic drive along the shoreline. Like the Pacific Coast Highway in California but half as wide, more turns, no shoulders and no pull off areas. Eventually, this gave way to another couple of hours of "two hands on the wheel" twisty roads as we turned inland. Lots of 30 kph corners and oncoming tandem tractor trailer trucks.

We bypassed Christchurch on this leg (we are visiting there at the end of our NZ tour) and got to drive at least 5 km on a proper limited access divided "motorway". Google Maps and the cell phone got us through Christchurch an on our way to Akaroa.

We were delayed in our trip due to a herd of a couple of hundred cows being driven down the road. One idiot tried to "plough" his way through the heard. I'm sure he has some new dents in his SUV.

After the cows, we had to drive over the ridge. Another half hour white knuckle experience for Chris. We finally got a view of the bay.

This was an original French settlement that tries to re-create the ambience of a French village. Not sure if the metal roofs really make the cut.

We checked into our accommodation and did a bit of a walk about the small village that is right on the waterfront.

We found a pub with happy hour and stopped for a snack and drink.

We had to pick up a few things at the Four Square for breakfast and then headed back to the room.

Later we went to Bully Hayes restaurant for a nice salmon dinner. It started raining as we were dining so we had to sprint back to our room after eating. Luckily only a block away.

Hey, a couple of people have sent me a link to a YouTube video of Air New Zealand's safety video that they show on their flights. I had sort of forgotten about it but it was really entertaining when we saw it when we left San Francisco. A "Lord of the Rings" theme:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/qOw44VFNk8Y?feature=player_embedded%22frameborder=%220%22allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe