New Zealand Holiday - Kaikoura, Picton and the Havelock Mail Boat - 4th April to 10th April

Heading Northwards towards Picton.

From Geraldine we skirted around Christchurch heading for Amberley a small town to the North and our staging post on the way to Kaikoura. The Teviot View Motel was very comfortable and the hosts were friendly. We had a wander on the beach at the end of the road. It was not a paddling day on Amberley Beach. The weather was still a bit wild after the recent storm. I ventured for a hair cut in the Barbers  next to the Supermarket. I had to wait a short time but the other customers were friendly and one recommended we go to Ohau Point near Kaikoura to see the seals. Turned out to be an excellent tip. Amberley has a very fine Pie Shop which, of course, we visited and picked up lunch.

Kaikoura

Kaikoura is a well-known tourist spot. Despite a significant earthquake a few years back, the damage isn't readily apparent. The seabed rose during the quake, it seems. We spoke with a local woman who endured the terrifying event. Whales are the main draw here, with many companies offering aerial and sea tours to view these marine monsters. We chose to remain ashore and thoroughly enjoyed our visits to the seal colonies dotting the coastline. Our visit lasted two nights. Later, we saw a television program revealing the seals' struggles with malnourishment, the causes of which remain unknown, which is quite disheartening. Kaikoura is also an excellent location for coastal walks, and we were fortunate that the sun made a re-appearance. During our walk, TW spotted an entire pod of white-bellied dolphins!

Dozing in the sunshine

Our favourite seal

Pasture above Kaikoura

Kaikoura

Havelock Mail Boat Delivers

Two months ago, we vowed to return to Havelock and experience the Mail Boat in Pelorus Sound. Despite concerns about the autumn weather, we were greeted with a perfect day. We stayed in Picton and set off on an early journey to Havelock. I was in charge of navigation but, regrettably, took a wrong turn. Upon our tardy arrival, we were met by a rather stern lady who pointed out we were the last to check in. The car park had a peculiar system: I had to note our car registration on an envelope, insert the fee, and post it. Additionally, a document with the same details had to be displayed on the car's dashboard. Typically, I had no pen, which led me to borrow one from the check-in lady. To complicate matters, I realized I didn't know our car's registration number. Whilst I was outside, the lady requested her pen back, pushing me deeper into the dog house. I hope that I am either forgiven or forgotten by now.

The cruise was a another highlight of our New Zealand adventure. Gliding over the tranquil blue waters to different communities around the Sound was incredibly enjoyable. For some, the Mail Boat's arrival seemed to be the highlight of their day, or even their week. Dogs even showed up to receive their treats from the Ferry Man. Our visit to Wilsons Bay Farm, located at the midpoint, was fascinating. Trevor and Kelly, who manage the farm, were our hosts. Kelly provided us with a deep understanding of what living off-grid in New Zealand entails. Without access to mains water or power, they depend on a generator, for three hours a day, and a small hydro system made from a washing machine. They offer guest accommodations in the summer, but it's clear that their lifestyle is far from easy. The sheep and wool market isn't what it used to be. However, their mussel beds likely generate some income. Wild pigs are a source of  protein. Trevor introduced us to a variety of fruit trees on the property. It seems that, as with many rural communities, some sense of community has been lost, with locals being replaced by holiday home visitors. It must, however, have been a lovely place for their children to grow up. They were home schooled before heading to Nelson. The Farmers are very reliant on the Mail Boat as a Water Taxi to Havelock costs $500. 

Wilsons Bay Farm

Mussell beds in the Sound

Trevor and Kelly wave us away from Wilsons Bay Farm

The Posties

The Churchyard in Havelock is interesting to us as relatives were settlers here and a number of them are buried in the Cemetery.

Picton

It was our first time staying in the Picton area. Our motel, the Bay View on Waikawa Road, was delightful, situated right by the Sound. It was easy to picture Kiwi guests arriving with boats in tow, ready to launch them into the water. Naturally, a three-night stay meant we had just two days for exploration. We dedicated one of those to our Post Boat experience. On our remaining day, we took a leisurely stroll around town and enjoyed an even more relaxed lunch at the Seabreeze Cafe, followed by a pleasant walk at Karaka Point. We wanted to stay on for an extra night but our popular Motel was fully booked. So, it was now time to head South as we had just a few days until our flight from Christchurch.

Picton Harbour

Picton Harbour

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Situated just outside Blenheim, the Aviation Heritage Centre boasts a fascinating collection of aircraft. It has two large exhibition hangars dedicated to World War I and World War II planes. The exhibits are displayed in an imaginative way with some aircraft being original and others being full-scale replicas. It is just along the road from our favourite pie shop Burleigh Gourmet Pies. An interesting Museum followed by a super pie - what's not to like. 

Blenheim - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre

Heading South - destination Kaikoura

After a further night stop in Kaikoura we opted to head to Hanmer Springs rather than Arthurs Pass. Seriously bad weather was forecast for the West Coast and that could have impacted our trip. Bit of a shame but it was probably a good decision as there were reports later of severe flooding and road damage. We wouldn't have seen much anyway.