Kaikoura - south island

Dog in a D-Cab

2012-01-16T15:44:00.000+13:00

We were at the Paua and Jade factory in Kaikoura and I saw this fine looking beast - a '59 VW D-Cab ute (sometimes known as a 'bakkie').
The dog aint half bad either...

dog in a VW 59 D-Cab_Kaikoura

Kaikoura road

2011-11-12T17:16:00.001+13:00

On the road coming in to Kaikoura from the south

Kaikoura farmland

2011-11-04T11:38:00.000+13:00

Kaikoura farmland

Moving inland a bit from coastal Kaikoura, I spent a bit of time photographing some of the farms around the area. There was something about this tractor in a field that just appealed to me.

I did find it interesting that many of the early settlers to Kaikoura were offered "cheap" land in exchange for digging trenches to drain away the water from the 'flat marshlands'.

Their efforts so many years ago still providing access...

Sunshine on the water

2011-11-04T11:28:00.000+13:00

I've got two choices here since I don't know which one I prefer.

sunlight on sea from the Peninsula Walkway

This one zoomed in a little bit...

There's something about sunlight reflecting off water that I find quite soothing.

Heck! John Denver dedicated a whole song to it...

These photo's were taken on the Peninsula Walkway near the seal colony

travelling muso's

2011-11-04T11:15:00.000+13:00

We first saw these musician guys hitchhiking north of Christchurch - when one of them had their hat blown away by a big truck passing by at State Highway speed.

It looked quite comical.

After the event - as I looked in my rear view mirror, I saw the guy pick up his hat and dust it off.

We were relieved to find they had made it to Kaikoura, none the worse for wear.

My camera wasn't on the correct ISO at the time, since I was photographing a dog (that photo to appear at another time) - so this pic is a bit blurred (such is the nature of candid photography - especially of people), but I like the quirkiness of it.

I hope they made it safely to their final destination.

We weren't going north that day otherwise would've offered a ride...

Sunlight looking like dust

2011-09-11T16:13:00.000+12:00

This was taken from the Kaikoura lookout - on zoom.
It kind of reminded me of an 80's painting with layered hills & ranges, and silhouetted trees.
I wouldn't ordinarily associate this view with Kaikoura - but it is - looking inland...

Kaikoura cemetery and gravestones

2011-08-17T23:31:00.000+12:00

I don't often frequent graveyards - especially with my camera, but this day was different.
The light of the late afternoon sun was at just the right angle and the view from where I took the pic of the gravestones out towards the ranges - over the sea seemed like an OK thing to do.

The 'dearly departed' of Kaikoura must have some of the best views in town.

Kaikoura cemetery

Paratitahi Tunnel

2011-08-13T15:20:00.001+12:00

on the southern coastal road of Kaikoura at Pinnacle Rock, you will find these tunnels.

this is Paratitahi Tunnel N0.2

.

Kaikoura - Seal colony

2011-07-13T09:40:00.000+12:00

You can't really VISIT Kaikoura without at least taking the short drive out to the seal colony.
I like wandering over the flat rocks looking at all the minuscule sea life that abounds in the cracks and 'holes' of the rocks - even more perfect on a sunny day when most people are doing that thing called work.

You might even get lucky and actually see seals basking on some rocks. Just don't venture too close...

NZ fur seal - Kaikoura seal colony

Kaikoura dramatic skies

2011-07-12T17:30:00.001+12:00

I always like how the skies over this part of the world change dramatically.
It was taken after I took the photo of the sculpture where the folk are looking skyward.

Unfortunately I didn't think at the time to get both sculpture and sky in the same pic - sometimes happens when one is on limited time....

wild clouds above Kaikoura

wild skies over Kaikoura

Beach sculpture Kaikoura

2011-06-08T17:11:00.003+12:00

I'm fascinated by some of the large sculptures that dot the New Zealand landscape.
I don't recall there being a plaque to describe this work (usually I photograph the plaques separately so I have a record of the work to explain to others) but will hunt out some details and put them on here later.

As far as I do know, they are carved out of macrocapa stumps with a chainsaw...

June 2011 update:
Thanks to "The Stone Guy", this is what he says...

That sculpture was by Gabrielle Young.
She's done a lot of funky work around Kaikoura.

Kaikoura - eating out - Bayside Blue Café

2011-06-02T13:39:00.000+12:00

On the road, you gotta eat... Sometimes average take aways - sometimes not.

This was Monk fish done up quite nicely. Good wine selection at Bayside Blue Café too

Kaikoura - eating out

2011-06-02T13:34:00.002+12:00

These were the puddings served at Bayside Blue Café.
Very nice

Ok, here's a wee tip in case you ever get served something like this and think, "What the hell do I do with it?"
First - pour the espresso shot over the ice cream
Second - pour the shot of Amaretto liqueur in as well

either - or - just enjoy it

then indulge with the spoon that is provided
or be real cool and confidently scoop some of the ice cream off with the biscuit wafer as if it's something you do every day.

And it's perfectly ok to drink what's left of the mixture as if you were drinking from a cup/mug

Kaikoura Lookout towards the west

2011-03-04T00:31:00.000+13:00

I'm back in Kaikoura for a fleeting visit and this was the view that greeted me on my arrival...

This was taken at the Kaikoura Lookout - looking west from the lookout over towards Goose Bay in the late afternoon.

Mount Fyffe, Kaikoura, NZ

2007-02-06T12:03:00.000+13:00

Some more photos of Kaikoura to add to this site. This time I thought Mt.Fyffe would be a little change from the usual and have found some great web sites to give you more info if you want...

If you're interested in looking at other photos from Nelson, Blenheim, Picton, or photos from Hawkes Bay or Wellington - then please visit my PHOTOBLOG site...

http://www.tramper.co.nz/index.cfm?view=object&id=114

http://wanderingdanny.com/kaikoura/mt-fyffe-walk.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaikoura_District

Kaikoura NZ, blog

Kaikoura Pohutukawa flowers

2007-02-02T15:53:00.000+13:00

The Pohutukawa -
with masses of brilliant crimson to deep red flowers at Christmas time, is known as the New Zealand Christmas tree.

Today I'm feeling a little 'festive' so have added these blooms to this blog.

This Pohutukawa pic is from a tree at the beach in Kaikoura.

Kaikoura NZ, blog

2007-02-02T15:41:00.000+13:00

Looking through the trunks of the Pohutukawa trees to the Kaikoura vista beyond. I remember this day well - the smell of the ocean, the warmth of late afternoon summer sun...
The thought of going there became a nice memory...
'Enough poetry'

Kaikoura NZ, blog

Kaikoura inspired watercolour

2007-01-27T14:00:00.000+13:00

This was a watercolour painting inspired by Kaikoura which I did many years ago - and certainly wont be the last painting of Kaikoura that I do.

check out the link to other whale paintings here:
Whale Paintings Watercolour and Acrylic

Kaikoura NZ, blog

Kaikoura New Zealand - sky, trees, hills on the peninsula

2007-01-27T13:46:00.000+13:00

Something about these trees on a hill and watercolour sky appeals to me.

I took it as a reference for a painting I would like to do one day when my current art projects are finished.

Kaikoura NZ, blog

Fish Sculpture - Kaikoura NZ

2006-12-21T11:42:00.000+13:00

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

2006-10-28T15:12:00.000+13:00

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. I'm certainly going to have our architect take a look at it when he designs our strawbale house...

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 queque 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

2006-08-20T13:05:00.000+12:00

"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

2006-08-20T13:02:00.000+12:00

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

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

2006-08-20T13:01:00.000+12:00

"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

2006-08-20T12:58:00.000+12:00

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

2006-08-20T12:50:00.000+12:00

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

Kaikoura NZ, blog

The Store, Kekerengu - view from steps

2006-08-20T12:47:00.000+12:00

"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

2006-01-01T12:39:00.000+13:00

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

2006-01-01T12:04:00.000+13:00

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

2006-01-01T12:03:00.000+13:00

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

kaikoura NZ, blog

2006-01-01T12:02:00.000+13:00

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

2006-01-01T12:01:00.000+13:00

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

2006-01-01T12:00:00.000+13:00

Fishing against a great backdrop

2006-01-01T11:59:00.000+13:00

Native NZ Flax

2006-01-01T11:58:00.000+13:00

On the path up the hill from the seal colony

View from the Kaikoura lighthouse

2006-01-01T11:57:00.000+13:00

View from the lighthouse looking north

Kaikoura yellow Lighthouse

2006-01-01T11:56:00.000+13:00

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...

2006-01-01T11:55:00.000+13:00

Somewhere near "Middle Earth"

2006-01-01T11:54:00.000+13:00

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

kaikoura NZ, blog

2006-01-01T11:52:00.000+13:00

A stroll on the beach north of Kaikoura at Kekerengu.

2006-01-01T11:51:00.000+13:00

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

famous Kaikoura Icons

2006-01-01T11:49:00.002+13:00

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

Icons of Kaikoura

2006-01-01T11:47:00.000+13:00

Self explanatory

2006-01-01T11:44:00.000+13:00

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

2006-01-01T11:41:00.000+13:00

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

2006-01-01T07:16:00.000+13:00

Ok, I'm not a poser and hate having my pic taken, but since I got many requests for my "mug" to be shown... here they are...

2006-01-01T06:05:00.000+13:00

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