Picton to Kaikoura

Tuesday morning, we awaken at Lochmara to a change in the weather. It is overcast with a strong breeze with a prediction for rain. After breakfast, we return to our room to pack up. Ed and Colleen were up early and went kayaking but found the wind and water chop daunting. We share the water taxi ride back to Picton with an older couple from Wellington with whom we’ve had several entertaining encounters, and a family of four from Chicago with an enormous amount of luggage for their one night stay. The ride across the sound is short but memorable with mist filled views of the sound and surrounding mountains. We decide to spend a little time in Picton before hitting the road to Kaikoura. The Chicago people tell us about a bakery that was voted the “fourth best in New Zealand.” We must go and get pies! On the way there we stumble upon a public restroom. Colleen is first to try and she soon comes our laughing. Colleen insists that Dianne take a turn, even though Dianne does not have a real need at this moment... A green light outside indicates the stall is available. Pushing the green button automatically opens the door. Once in, the user pushes another button, the door closes and locks, whereupon a voice announces the door is locked against outside entry, and the user has “a 10 minute maximum occupancy” to complete their business (or else...?) Muzak begins, playing “What the World Needs Now...” at a volume fully accessible to the hearing impaired. Of course there follows automatic paper dispensing, flushing, soap and water dispensing, and hot air drying, all accompanied by instructions from the disembodied voice and continued uplifting music. The door opens when the hand wash is complete, or with the push of another button, ready for the next user.

Next, the Chicago family comes along. While we are talking with them, Dianne comes out laughing. Now they have to see the automated bathroom and take movies. Meanwhile, nearby, an unfortunate local seems to be uncomfortably waiting his turn. We next head on to the fourth best bakery in New Zealand and find that they do have delicious hot pies as well as great sandwiches, breads and coffees. We have an early lunch then wander the shops along Picton’s main street. More souvenir and gift hunting. Phil has been checking real estate listings in most of the places we’ve visited. Just as in the US, property values have taken a big hit in NZ. That along with the favorable exchange rate with the US dollar has resulted in some interesting investment possibilities in some great places, Picton included.

The rain rolls in and we head for the car and get on the road again. The short drive today goes through the northeast potion of the island and New Zealand’s prime wine producing country around Blenheim. Then we follow the coast and the coastal rail line for the most part through sparsely populated territory, some of which is quite dry and reminiscent of areas around Vallejo. We are in and out of the rain and low clouds hover over the Pacific to the east.

Kaikoura is a small (population about 3500) town on the coast at the base of a small peninsula. Offshore, there are deep ocean troughs that provide abundant food supply for the large numbers of marine mammals that congregate here. Some of the available activities involve whale watching air and sea voyages, and swimming with dolphin adventures. There is also river and ocean kayaking, some fine trails and a sea cave to explore.

We find our accommodation for the next two days, a holiday home on the south side of the peninsula facing the ocean with unobstructed views of the coastline stretching southward. The house is eclectic, appearing to be owner built with some odd construction features. It has five bedrooms and is one of the better values at $NZ100 per night, and it has a pool table.