"I spent the morning relaxing before taking a gentle walk along the coast towards Old Wharf, stopping occasionally at inlets where Freya played in rock pools, finding lobsters; aubergine with geometric patterns of Chinese orange."
"The Kaikoura peninsula is distinguishable by its folded limestone and siltstone rock formations deposited beneath the sea over 60 million years ago. As we rounded a corner we suddenly came face-to-face with five enormous fur seals barking at us."
"As powerful and diverse as the forces that created it New Zealand is bursting with a myriad of experiences to feed the mind, cleanse the body, and lift the spirit. Black sand beaches and golden coves cover the vast coastlines."
"As we headed upwards a piece of ice the size of a car fell to the ground only yards from where we stood in amazement, where hedgerows grew like manicured tropical rain forest gardens, and tree fern-like grass
everywhere..."
"We hopped on board an Arahora Inter Island ferry and crossed the Cook straits, onward to Motueka, the Abel Jasmin. Hopping on and off a taxi to Kaiteriteri, part of the Abel Jasmin National Park, we continued our journey by water taxi up the coast to Taranim."
"Deserted shell and crustacean-encrusted beach sprinkled with gems span the sea floor. Crystal clear waters gently ripple, undulating in and out of shapes and circular patterns, revealing the shells and gems beneath."
"I jumped off the boat into the deep, freezing Pacific Ocean not far from Antarctica, and came face-to-face with 15 of them. I froze, terrified by their almond-shaped faces staring at me full on with several either side."
"The Kaikoura coast is littered with rocky outcrops and inlets, kelp forests like treasure chests bulging with nature’s jewels and charms of kelp, swaying with the Pacific Ocean current."
"‘Eight, nine, ten ... coming ready or not!’ Addi and Freya giggled, crouched in a lush green hideaway surrounded by fern saplings the size of a head. We gaze at our reflections in the lake while chatting to new friends. ‘Anyone for an apple?’"
54
36
29
32
30
45
71
65a
65b
13
25
53
46
37
56
18
21
74
75
33
34
80
81
82
24
23
77
73
27
26
28
44
37a
37b