Gorgeous Day

Today was mostly a travel day, with us crossing the Cook Strait via ferry and then driving down to Kaikoura via Marlborough wine country and then a stunning coastal highway.  And before you ask, of course we stopped at a winery en route for some tasting.  We'll be heading back for more after our whale watching adventure in Kaikoura.

I'll let the photos tell our story of the day, other than to mention that we had a blessedly clear day to cross the Cook Strait, which meant not only gorgeous scenery but a smooth ride (it's a notoriously treacherous crossing in choppy conditions).  It was very reminiscent of our Alaska cruise, except with lambs and seals.

Waiting for the ferry in Wellington

Leaving the North Island

Arriving via Marlborough Straits to the South Island

Marlborough Straits

Oh, hello there, cute baby lamb

East Coast drive to Kaikoura

We could see these mountains from the ferry - wow!

Sunset along the Kaikoura coast - stunning