The new day at Ward Beach was not quite as breezy as the day before but we had decided to carry on to Kaikoura just the same, and maybe spend an extra day or so there. We travelled through dry hill country until the road rejoined the coast. Our first stop was at “The Store” situated at a place called Kekerengu. The Store was an unexpected find. It was very styly, with thick ropes used extensively around bollards, around the exterior verandah posts, and even as a scotia on the inside. The grounds were beautifully landscaped with tables set underneath laden grape vines, and the ocean right next door. The food was great too, and we know this because we stopped for lunch here.
Continuing down the coast we had a few more stops to enjoy the scenery. The next stop was at Okiwi Bay, where there was another small cafe with a large lobster perched on top of it. It was around here that the huge scale of earthworks being undertaken following the earthquake was evident – new bridges, new sea walls, new rail lines, and work is still going on. I hate to think how much this is costing the country.
As we continued along the road we started to see seals resting on the rocks. The next bay along was Half Moon Bay (Ohau) where there was a large pull off area and lots of people gazing at the rocks. Here there were hundreds of seals – bull seals, cows feeding calves, and lots of babies either sleeping while waiting for mum to return, or playing with other babies in the rock pools. I could have stayed for hours watching them. I would have to say that it will most likely be one of the highlights of our trip.
Another effect of the earthquake was that one of our rare plants, the Ohau Rock Daisy, was almost wiped out. 95% of the plants were lost when the cliffs around Ohau collapsed in the earthquake. Fortunately, someone found a plant with seeds, propagated it and now it is once again thriving in the area.
Overall, a magical day tripping along the coast towards Kaikoura.
Away From Home NZ 