South Island,New Zealand, Day 9

19 October 2011.

Its all rainny and gloomy leaving Hanmmer Spring. Heading towards Kaikoura. Again we left some foods in our previous night's lodging.

Passed through wineyards.. one is open so, drove in for some wine testing..The Marble Point Winery. Spend NZD66 on one bottle of desert wine and many many bottles of local Manuka honey.

It its even raining when we reached Kaikoura a couple of hours away.

This next shot shows how gloomy it is. I was told that on a good day, the mountain range can be seen beautifully guarding the city.

She has been bugging me to bring her to a sheep shearing show. She was saying how her friend says the trip wont be complete if we did not see one. Not that I think its anything interesting.

Found one here in Kairoura, the timing is perfect, and being an indoor event, at least would be a great way to spend an hour or two.

But at last, she is really teriffied of big dogs. And where there's sheep, there will be sheep dog. Brought tears into her eyes and mine seeing her like this, so has to walk away from the show. 

Visited the seal colony near town. Unlike the earlier visit near Westport, here you can literally walk up to them. Warning signs posted everwhere though, reminding that the seals are wild animals and they can inflict injuries.

Was guessing that this guy is either showing off or wishing for the cold balmy weather to continue..

And one local came up close and personal  to greet up. 

In the heavy rain going back to town, gave a Spanish family a ride. Almost drove off with their backpacks in my car's trunk.

Our first NZ fish & chips.. sold by a Hokkien speaking 'Malaysian' chinese to a Hokkien speaking Malaysian chinese.

Deep fried batter coated mussels & chips

Both area big portions but if you are not able to finish it when their hot, will go to waste since they will become soggy and chewy.

Some shopping and a trip to the New World supermarket. Loved these brownish pears, as opposed to the green one sold here in Malaysia.

Dinner for the night - told you she started craving pizzas.... but with an egg on one... strange IMHO..

To the Strawbery Tree to check up the local pub scene. A glass of Guinness. And for me, I asked the bartender, what whould a local drink .. her recommended a local brew by the outlet.. the Sheep Shagger.. not as 'gassy' or bitter.

Accomodation for the night and tomorrow.. the Lazy Shag Backpackers, mostly younger set of backpackers, so the kitchen utensils are in terrible shape.