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Here's Mary in Cook Strait. We drove our campervan onto
the ferry and left it below to roam the decks taking in as much
as we could on the three hour tour..... |
Just south of Picton is the Marlborough wine region. A
favorite of ours is Cloudy Bay, so we stopped and had a taste!
We bought a little bubbly there as well.... |
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The broad valley reminded us a lot of California and its climate
and wine producing success would indicate there are some
similarities. |
We had
lunch that day at a family winery, Wairau River, and it was
wonderful. Their wine was delightful and we decided if we
do make it back here we'd definitely visit them again! |
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Our first stop for the night was at Kaikura and this sunrise
greeted us the next morning. |
The beach at Kaikura is small black stones... |
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Whales drive the economy of Kaikura today much as they did 150
years ago, but today, the draw is ecotourism and this thriving
community draws tourists from all over the world to see this
sight.... |
And especially this sight...... |
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We had a bonus that day as a pod of Orcas made their way up the
coast. This family of three included a wee killer whale! |
From
Kaikura, we headed south and then west to cross Arthur's Pass.
The scenery was spectacular, but not what we expected.
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We were surprised as the scenery changed to desert. It
reminded us of New Mexico or Arizona.... |
We really hope we can get back and see this area when these
braided rivers are flowing full. What a sight that would be!
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At the town of Arthur's Pass we decided to take a short tramp up
Scott's Creek Trail toward Avalanche Peak. It was straight
up for the first few k's.... |
As we
gained elevation, we looked across to this waterfall and it just
got better and better the higher we climbed. It often had
a rainbow in its mists.
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Looking
back to the east from our vantage point through the pass.... |
The trees
near the tree line were covered with lichen and moss. It
gave an eerie, but beautiful softness to everything.
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Looking south just above the tree line into the wilderness of
Craigieburn Forest Park. |
When we
got back down to our campervan, there were keas waiting for us!
These little mischief makers put on quite a show before
wandering off. |
