Kaikoura

New Zealand is stunningly beautiful. I'm repeating myself, but it just keeps getting better. I'm running out of adjectives. The pictures don't even come close to doing it justice.

These are from the drive between Christchurch and Kaikoura:

And then there's Kaikoura - do you like snow covered mountains? Do you like the tranquil waters of a turquoise bay? HERE, HAVE BOTH:

Sadly, the pictures I have don't really give it the full effect, so please go out look for more.

The beach is all small rocks, the waves make an interesting whistling sound as they pull away.

Large bird of some variety.

The water appears to drop off quite sharply - there are seal and albatross colonies in the area, and farther out you'll find dolphin pods and sperm whales. Abundant sea life and fresh water drew the Maori here about 900 years ago. Whaling drew the early European settlers here, and permanent buildings were set up around 1840. The Fyffe house, out on the point in the picture below, is the only remaining house in the world to have been built on whale bones.

View from the patio at the place where I had dinner - you can't actually eat outside, or you'll be swarmed by seagulls.

More street art. After three weeks of traveling, I feel a little bit like the seal on the bottom...