Golden Bay, Nelson, Blenheim & Kaikoura

Catching Sea Perch (we also caught some blue cod, red cod, and tarakihi)

We got to keep 5 crayfish caught in metal cages (pots). They are similar to lobster except no front claws)- they were delicious

Dusky Dolphins

Kaikoura Penisula walkway

Beach out front of our rented holiday home

Kayaking near Tata islands in Golden Bay

Totaranui beach where we camped for one night

Christchurch Botanical Gardens

3 hour evening rogaining event in the Port Hills by Christchurch

Chris, Igor, and our mom arrived on December 14th. For the week before Christmas we did a tour of the northern part of the south island. We went to some beautiful spots, and even though we couldn't do our 3 day kayaking trip that we had planned (due to strong winds), we still did a day of kayaking (golfing for Brad), and a bit of shopping, a half day wine tour where we visited 5 vineyards, a dolphin cruise (that was supposed to involve swimming with the dolphins, but it was too windy), and an excellent day of ocean fishing.

Avalanche Peak

Crow Glacier

Avalanche Peak is a 1000 m day hike that starts in the town of Arthurs Pass- it is more of a climb than a hike in lots of spots but it only takes 4 hours to get to the top. Nice views up there- and we were joined by two beautiful Kea parrots that came and sat by us and were playing in the wind currents.