We needed to do the work for two cafes this morning before going to watch the whales at 10.30am. So up early, car packed and a decision made that we would only spend the one night in Kaikoura. We are to be in Murchison tomorrow night and it feels like a bit of a hike in one day. So tonight we are aimming for Hamner Springs.
First stop Hislops cafe. This place has been around for years now and has morphed from the original hippie, early organic pioneer into a pretty slick operation. Paul and Elizabeth are the owners and they were hosting the opening of the wine bar section on the night we arrived. This place feels a little more restauranty (technical term again) than cafe like and yet it came highly recommended and it certainly fills a niche. We had some tasty sweet treats and good coffee before we revisited The Beach House to get the final photos and low down.
Job done we went to the old Railway building to check in for Whale watching. The last time I went there were no loos on the boats, the ride was rough and mostly without cover. I had the kids all with warm jackets and pre boat bathroom visits. I am never making anyone take anything warm again. We were in padded seats with a screen show as we headed out to sea completely undercover. We saw whales, albatross, fur seals and dolphins (these were the highlight for all). I have to say though that I prefer the experience from the old days. I understand the need for comfort and the presentation on board was really informative, I enjoyed it, but averting your eyes while someone pees over the side was something I remember with affection.
After a second trip to the Original Seafood BBQ we said our goodbyes to Kaikoura and on the road to Hamner Springs. Matthew and Ethan had visited a couple of years ago and were keen to return. I hadn't been there since I was a child and had vague memories of snow and water but not much more. The kids were tired after their morning on the sea and so was Matthew. They all slept their way through some fantastic scenery, alpachas and roadside rabbits. I was re introduced to the braided river and sung along with Eric Clapton, happy in my solitude.
We made it into Hamner Springs and set about finding accomodation for the night. We ended up at the Alpine Adventure holiday park. Voted best so far by Ethan. A great playground, tyre swings, obstacle course, games room and so the list went on. We stayed in a cabin that had seen better days but was clean and functional.
We battled the sandflys and blowflys over dinner and yet again went for an early night. For the first time we turned on a t.v and watched for a bit and then off to the land of nod.
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