New Zealand - Nov 2013 - Blenheim & Picton - Post 8 of 10

NOTE:
This blog is divided into 10 separate sections as there are far too many photos to put on one post

Trip to Blenheim and Picton

We travelled to the northern part of the South Isle to Blenheim.  We took the road that goes along the coast line and we weren't disappointed with the scenery. 

The main plaza square of Blenheim with the War Memorial Clock Tower

The township of Picton was near, so we headed off there for lunch.  The people of Picton were extremely happy as it was just announced that day that the ferry from the North Isle was to remain coming to their town after 2 years of not knowing.   This was another pretty place, a bay surrounded by mountains.

Panoramic view of the bay in Picton

Picton Harbour (the ferry can be seen on the left)

A plaque commemorating the First Landing by Cpt James Cook in 1770

Trip to back to Christchurch on the Coastal Road
 

The road was fun.  The scenery went from the ocean views, to New Zealand Fur Seals, to mountains and valleys, with the nearly ever present snow capped mountains in the distance.  A really enjoyable 4 1/2 hour drive.

A weathered timber boat ramp going down to the waters edge with seaweed.
Believe it or not I haven't altered the colours at all on this photo.

Sun bleached & weather worn timber on the beach

I deliberately took this photo in black and white as I was captured by the textures of the building and the fence and wanted to bring that across in the photo.

  

The sea just disappeared into the horizon in multiple layers of blue.
It did look just like this with very defined lines.
There were Fur Seals on the rock outcrop in the foreground too.

New Zealand Fur Seals (adults and pups) on the rocks



A seal playing in the surf

 

Getting closer to Kiakoura, we noticed some cars parked on the edge of the road and their occupants looking down at the beach.  We guessed that there were seals there.  We guessed correctly.

Just lazing around getting a tan

A young pup looking for its mum.

Pup is still looking, while others just relax.