NZ Holiday - Richmond to Westport and Cape Foulwind

Goodbye to Richmond, Hello West Coast and the rain - 17th October

Wild weather at Cape Foulwind

We saw about 20 seals

Cheeky little Weka

Wet day at Cape Foulwind

We left Richmond and headed for the West Coast today. We stopped for elevenses at a Cafe halfway to Westport for bacon and eggs, really lovely. Had a chat with a couple from Christchurch. Their house was destroyed in the earthquake and a rebuild is not possible due to liquefaction. They are having a house built in Richmond but said it's all pretty stressful due to insurance claims and building issues. They are in the autumn of their years so must all be a bit difficult. At least we were able to tell them how much we liked Richmond. Eventually we arrived in Westport, checked out a couple of Motels but they were no good. Can't really see Westport as a holiday destination somehow! Ended up in Cape Foulwind (lovely name) just to the South. We found a nice studio for the night. We wandered off to see the seals and met loads of Weka, a flightless and very friendly bird that is a bit smaller than a chicken. Our new home was Sea Whispers near Cape Foulwind. It was a bit pricey but had everything we needed and the Weka's liked it. There was a Tavern serving meals up the road but we opted to cook up our dinner in the Studio. Sea Whispers - our Studio near Cape Foulwind