Kaikoura via Gore Bay

Instead of padlocks, stones from the beach

Bev wanted to do some shopping in Christchurch at the Riverside Market and Ballantynes and I wanted to visit our friends’ wine shop so after a coffee we went our separate ways.  I was a happy person as I was able to get some different wines that were suggested by my friend. 

 

Bev and I had a light lunch in one of the cafés that dot the central city.  The transformation of the CBD has been significant since the earthquake eleven years ago.  While the same grid layout has been kept, they have moved the retail end closer to the river and much of the area is pedestrianised.  It makes it a delight to get around and I only hope they do some of the same things in Wellington.  Their cycle network is growing significantly but like Wellington there is considerable opposition to it from motorists and businesses.  However, the number of cyclists is clearly growing.

 

I had driven past a turnoff to Gore Bay many times and had wondered what was there.  Then a few months ago I read a short article about it so figured it was time to investigate.  There was a nice loop to follow, and we rolled our way along narrow country roads and over hills.  Just before arriving in Gore Bay, there was an lookout called The Cathedral. It is a series of eroded cliffs not dissimilar to the Pinnacles in the Wairarapa and Clay Cliffs in the Mackenzie country.  The view was not perfect as it was obscured by plant growth but still impressive.  I think there may be a walk to them.

 

Gore Bay is a charming beachside community with a long gravel beach and quite pretty.  However, it does feel remote with no commercial activity in the area. 

 

Gore Bay beach

Interesting art work on Gore Bay bach

The sun had appeared as we approached Kaikoura.  It was beautiful driving along the coast and such a contrast to travelling down that way a week earlier when it was wild and pouring with rain.  There was not a breath of wind. 

 

Our motel room had a view of the Kaikoura Mountain range and we sat out on the balcony taking pleasure in watching the sun go down over the snow topped mountains. 

Dusk over the Kaikouras

The day finished with going to the Pier Hotel for a seafood feast which included paua, salmon, calamari, mussels, and monk fish.  I discovered that the hotel was built well over a century ago.