Working My Way Up South

So, earlier this month, I took a trip from Christchurch up to Auckland in a rental company who was doing a relocation special, so I didn't have to pay the rent or the vehicle ticket across the ferry. It was so great, and not too expensive. Two tanks of gas and four nights later, I made the 1200 km trip-at least half the distance of the country, so I'm doing well on my "drive the length of the country" goal while I'm here this year. I saw some wonderful sights and had some great experiences. This is part 1 of the trip.

Day one-flew from Auckland to Christchurch and drove to Kaikoura.
Day two-drove from Kaikoura to Picton.
Day three-took the ferry to Wellington and drove to Taupo.
Day four-drove back to Auckland.


First thing that happened was I forgot my cash at the house. After some thinking, I got it put in my account and all was made right. I arrived at 10 am, and the goal was to go on a Seal Swim at 2:00 pm in Kaikoura, a 2hr 18 min drive. Easy, right?
Typical views of the Canterbury region the first half of the first day.

Typical views of the Canterbury region the first half of the first day.

Heading farther north, there were mountains to cross.

I made it to Kaikoura at 2:10, and the boat had already gone out.

I found a hotel and explored.

I saw some seals. The region is famous for the close possible encounters with marine wildlife coming in close to shore. 

The area has rock beaches.

The camp site had a river close by, and the ducks who live on the river are nice visitors.

Views of the mountains north of Kaikoura on the beach.

Rock Beach.

Wayne, the nice man from Kaikoura, caught a fresh fish and gave it to me. I couldn't turn down an offer so generous, nor a fish so fresh. It looked pretty bad when I had finished massacring it, but it was a beaut and tasted great!

After that adventure, you'd call it a night, right?

Unless 100-knot winds wake you up at 4 in the morning.

 Seems unreal with the sea this calm the next morning.

Next I went on my seal swim, and it was so unreal. Something I won't forget for a long time. I've always wanted to get close to a seal, and I'm sad I didn't have a water-proof cover for my camera. So, pictures are saved in my mind, but none to share with you guys. It was definitely a highlight of my trip.

My UV-tinted sunglasses gave me this view of the beach.

A few detours on the way.

I was going to make the 2:30 ferry, but I was running late. I decided to not rush the drive north and slowed it down to make the 6:30 early morning ferry.

I took a hike for some views.

Sailing course.

Sunset on day 2.