Fish Sculpture - Kaikoura NZ

These Kaikoura "icons" reflect the things that give the town its unique character.

fish sculpture Kaikoura 

This one is opposite the Kaikoura Visitor's Centre.
And, of all the times we've visited the town - I still haven't taken a photo of a crayfish...

My previous blogpost about this sculpture was completely incorrect, so I have deleted it and placed the comment to that original post here. (no doubt one too many Latte's were consumed by me that day...)

"The above reference regarding Hapuku Cafe is completely incorrect. First of all the fish shown in the photograph does not represent a Hapuku (otherwise known as Groper, Grouper, or Big Bellied Fish). The fish sculpture resides above a restaraunt / bar called Sonic on the Rocks - the location listed is correct. The true Hapuku Cafe was part of Hapuku Lodge (www.hapukulodge.com), located 12kms N. of Kaikoura. Hapuku Cafe was closed to non-guests this year but hopes to reopen next year as a full service restaraunt."

- Thanks for the comment, it's great to get feedback and get the facts right...


Kaikoura NZ, blog

The Store, Kekerengu

We found this delightful restaurant on a brochure at the Kaikoura Tourist Info Centre.
It's a short drive north from Kaikoura and definitely worth a visit. The inner decor of The Store reminds me of a Cape Dutch African farmhouse.

The Store at Kekerengu

The food is cafe style and there was a good selection of tea and coffee's. Of course the delectable servings of cakes could keep you wondering and in the queue for ages - just don't stand there too long. Oh, a large selection beer and wine are also available.

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand. Entrance

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand - exterior view.

Wear your sunglasses on a sunny day.






Kaikoura NZ, blog

On the beach at Kekerengu

Kekerengu beach

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand - on the beach below, looking northerly and the Pacific Ocean to the right. The Store is off to the left of this picture.


These are two more views from the bottom of the steps - off the garden at "The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand.

As you can see, it is just a short stroll to the Pacific ocean...

Kaikoura NZ, blog

The Store - Kekerengu, Al fresco dining

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand - views from the deck on the Pacific ocean side...

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand. Garden views

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand.

Views from the gardens...






It can be a quiet place to sit and contemplate with a great view down to the beach...

Or it can be a fantastic setting to enjoy good food, wine and companionship of friends...







Kaikoura NZ, blog

Interior of The Store, Kekerengu

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand. Interior view 1 - a selection of housewares and art to purchase is also available.

interior of The Store at Kekerengu

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand. Interior view.
This is a fantastic fireplace.

Kaikoura NZ, blog

The Store, Kekerengu - view from steps

"The Store" - Kekerengu, New Zealand. This is the view of the steps leading down to the beach area. The garden is on the left.
If you would like to view more photos of "The Store - Kekerengu, Kaikoura, New zealand" just click on the store label at the botom of this post...





















And these are of the view at The Store garden walkway looking back up from where the previous picture was taken. The left view was standing and the right view - I crouched down to take the photo - so it only looks steeper...

Kaikoura NZ, blog

Getting there

You know you're definitely on holiday when greeted at the airport by the pilot wearing shorts and sporting a fully fledged suntan.

To reiterate the holiday feel are the big fluffy dice hanging down from the cockpit compass. Yhup, it's Holiday season indeed... !

Kaikoura NZ, blog

SoundsAir, Wellington-Kaikoura-Wellington

Flying direct to Kaikoura from Wellington was a welcome relief from previous trips we have made. One option is to take the InterIsland ferry to Picton (a three hour sailing) and then drive down to Kaikoura.

Another option was to fly to Christchurch on Qantas, Origin Pacific or Air New
Zealand and drive up to Kaikoura. Sadly, Origin Pacific Airways no longer exists and as of March 2007, Qantas (NZ) no longer flies between Wellington and Christchurch.

So how nice to now be able to fly directly to our destination - and be there in 45minutes...All thanks to SoundsAir. Good on these small business guys to be able to offer what we the real consumer wants...

Some of my favourite Kaikoura scenes

this photo was taken at the end of the Esplanade of Kaikoura.
Fishing boats.

kaikoura NZ, blog

Looking for seals - this photo was taken at the Kaikoura Seal Colony. The day we ventured out on the rocks at the Kaikoura peninsula seemed to be the same day the seals did a runner...

Pohutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) Kaikoura

Pohutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) at our favourite beach spot in Kaikoura.

An icon and symbol that typifies summer in New Zealand

kaikoura NZ, blogspot

Kaikoura - fishing boats

Fishing against a great backdrop

Native NZ Flax

On the path up the hill from the seal colony

View from the Kaikoura lighthouse

View from the Kaikoura lighthouse looking north

Kaikoura yellow Lighthouse

Yellow lighthouse Kaikoura

As far as lighthouses go, this is probably the smallest one I have come across - but certainly the most vivid... I haven't been able to get any history or information on it, so would be happy for anyone to comment on where to find more info...

Somewhere near "Middle Earth"

Who says it's a dog's life? These seals have it made...


kaikoura NZ, blog

A stroll on the beach north of Kaikoura at Kekerengu.

Seagulls - they're everywhere. All I wanted was a scene of the clouds, then this glided into my frame...fortunate me...

seagull in flight - Kaikoura

famous Kaikoura Icons

what Kaikoura is famous for

What Kaikoura is mostly famous for - Mountain views, Birdlife, Whales, Pounamu (Jade) carvings, Paua (NZ abalone) and its jewelery, Seals, Whalebone carving in Maori design - as depicted on this store wall...

But probably the most famous thing of all about Kaikoura ... _ _ _ ... are the whales

---- Oh! ---- and I forgot one more thing -: Crayfish


Icons of Kaikoura

Self explanatory

It's not all ocean and sealife... Mount Fyffe is a great walk for those with a little fitness/stamina...

Hop. skip and jump - you can be anywhere...

Flying back to Wellington - the scene of Kaikoura below... Seal colony at the top left