Queen Charlotte Drive

We have been on the road since 9.30, getting home at 7pm....long drive, long day, so hot, a few stops to satisfy my photography needs, and giving both of us some time to refresh.  We share the driving.
After leaving the batch on Moetapu Rd, we decided to continue on Queen Charlotte Drive over to Picton then down to Blenheim, along the coast to Kaikoura etc.  The coastline colours were simply stunning (extra)- freespiral & himself, I do hope you get a day like this one for your drive south.
This little gem is Nagakutu Bay, one of dozens of beautiful inlets in the Marlborough Sounds, so so beautiful.
Opted for a seafood lunch sitting overlooking the Pacific enjoying fresh fish & chips, divine. (extra).  This caravan is a piece of kiwiana (xtra), being on the beach front since 1977.  Of course, since the 7.8m Kaikoura earthquake back in November 2016 State Highway 1 was closed for massive repairs this little caravan would have had to close the shutters for a year.  Maybe it had a paint job as it is looking very smart.
There are still heaps of repairs/reconstruction going on with sections down to one way with the friendly Stop/Go folk giving us a wave, but what has been achieved is amazing.
The township of Kaikoura was heaving with tourists (whale watching being one of its main attractions), then we noticed a cruise ship anchored just a little out, obviously adding to the masses.  No wharf available so the folk would have to take tenders ashore.  I wasn't aware that cruise ships call in there.
Any rate, enough dribble from me.....I'm tired and should be off to bed, but watching tennis from the Ozzie Open.  Riveting.
Lastly, thanks for calling in on our wee break in The Sounds, very much appreciated....I'm now back to internet, so will have time to browse and comment soon.

Rainie