Kaikura (where the mountains meet the sea) to Christchurch

But another thing first. In Picton, on the way to Kaikura, we stopped for lunch and a "comfort break". The local toilets, which were ultra modern, were situated in the middle of the town square. As Susan entered, the door automatically closed and she was invited to press the lock button. This initiated a series of electronically voiced instructions detailing the terms and conditions of the use of this device. The spoken instructions could clearly be heard 100 yards away. Among the conditions was the fact that the door would be automatically unlocked after 10 minutes. This was designed to limit various nefarious practices but immediately produced a counter productive response in Susan. On a limited time frame the desired result was harder to come by and, since no countdown timer was provided, there was a growing degree of uncertainty regarding the amount of time remaining before the door sprung open of its own accord. To make matters worse the proceedings were accompanied to the tunes of a ragtime band playing plinky plonk piano music. Again all of this was clearly audible 100 yards away. It occurred to me to wonder who had been given the job (pardon me) of choosing the music for the event. Happily it all ended well and with 1 minute left a relieved Susan emerged triumphant. Job done!

Kaikura on the North side was a bit of a backpackers paradise. But South Bay was glorious. We climbed to the plateau and completed the walk which we had begun the previous evening. As we walked back to the first viewpoint the view was to die for. The crystal clear waters stretched over the rocks, sand and weeds producing fishing opportunities for various species of seabird and seal. In the distance a cruise ship was tendering passengers to shore. Beyond that, mountains rose out of the sea into a clear blue sky. We sat for ages, aware that we should be making progress towards Christchurch but unable to tear ourselves away. If you go to South Island find that seat, drink in the view and live happily ever after.