I am beginning to feel very repetitive in my descriptions; however New Zealand continues to deliver unbelievable natural beauty around every corner. The Kaikoura District is about one fourth of the way down the East coast of the South Island. It is a coastal peninsula that was formed by the deterioration of the four mountain ranges that surround it inland. The coastline here is dramatic with the white cliffs as pictured and lots of sea life. We saw lots of snoozing sea lions; the largest pod of jumping dolphins I have ever seen and I finally got to see my first blue penguin, thanks to Brendan’s keen eyeJ. Once you have had enough of the coast you just simply pivot west and you are deep into some gorgeous alpine hiking. We started the steep but well graded hike to Mt Fyffe Hut in clouds but it all cleared off and we were given some amazing views in all directions.
Our time here really is drawing to a close and it has been AMAZING. We have two more stops. The first is Hanmer Springs, several locals have just raved about it so we are really looking forward to it. We were then supposed to wrap it up with a week in Christchurch. We have talked with several Christchurch folks who were either permanently leaving the city, taking a break, or had just returned from an outing. The full consensus is to stay away. The basic services are being so taxed that any additional influx from tourism just increases the problems. They also continue to receive frequent and substantial aftershocks. Currently they are planning to demolish 700 central business buildings and 10,000 homes, as you can imagine there are lots of opinions and frustrations that are beginning to surface. After taking all of this into consideration, we will stay near the Christchurch airport for two nights, but otherwise we are heading into Arthurs Pass for our final week in New Zealand. So stay tuned.
Our time here really is drawing to a close and it has been AMAZING. We have two more stops. The first is Hanmer Springs, several locals have just raved about it so we are really looking forward to it. We were then supposed to wrap it up with a week in Christchurch. We have talked with several Christchurch folks who were either permanently leaving the city, taking a break, or had just returned from an outing. The full consensus is to stay away. The basic services are being so taxed that any additional influx from tourism just increases the problems. They also continue to receive frequent and substantial aftershocks. Currently they are planning to demolish 700 central business buildings and 10,000 homes, as you can imagine there are lots of opinions and frustrations that are beginning to surface. After taking all of this into consideration, we will stay near the Christchurch airport for two nights, but otherwise we are heading into Arthurs Pass for our final week in New Zealand. So stay tuned.
Jen, you must be in terrific shape after all the hiking you two have completed! Good for you! The country is really beautiful and we have enjoyed viewing it with you! We are headed to Black Butte today (3/18) for our weel....can't wait! Still very chilly over there so packing our Lummi smart wool socks (-; Take care, talk to you soon! Love Kier and David
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