Kaikoura (means 'Meal of Crayfish' and indeed most cuisine included a taste of crayfish!)

Picked up the rental car and instead of heading directly to Kaikoura we went north through the 'Marlborough Sounds' and although this proved to be a longer drive it gave us a chance to stop at Havelock where we were able to have lunch at the Marina and 'people watch' as the locals launched their boats.

We had fabulous views along this coastal route and went on to drive through the vineyard estates that we probably recognise only too well on our wine bottles! Passed through Blenheim and went on to Kekerengu where we stopped at their gorgeous cafe and had a walk on the beach.

Arrived in Kaikoura late afternoon and found that our hotel whilst lovely was some way out of town ….. Tom not happy! Sue quite happy as we could walk along the beach either way!! So …Walked along the beach into town; some 5k but had a well-deserved meal and couple of drinks.

Hey, next morning turned up for Whale Watching an hour early -for those who know Tom well - how ruined was his reputation! Forecast said: ok with rain and winds coming in after midday so Sue assured all was good… phew!!! + guaranteed 95% success of sighting whales with 80% refund if no whale sighted so all looked good.

Travelled out into calm bay with sun shining but found we had to travel some 10 miles to find whales who had decided to divert north. After some 2 hours out (!), no whale success, weather declining with swell 1.5 -2m and winds coming up to 35 knots, the captain decided to turn around! ('Thank God' said Sue who was feeling decidedly seasick!!).

Luckily we had a call that a whale had been sighted so turned back at speed (Sue was now a nice shade of green) - so we finally saw our whale albeit in a huge swell and difficult to stand/ walk we got our pictures and spent some 3-5 minutes watching this magnificent whale blow for air and then descend into a dive with the all iconic tail dive amongst the waters - amazing and so worth all the discomfort!

With the weather turning we went inland and came across a small farm offering a sheep shearing show - we went for it and had the best hours entertainment during which Tom was dressed up as a ram and filmed for the Kaikoura tourist website! Weblink to follow!