Our Departure from Kaikoura included one more seafood stop, Nin’s Bin, the lobster place that I had found on the web before our trip, 15 km north of Kaikoura’s centre, this was still within Kaikoura.

We had an early lunch of lobster for me and fish and chips for Lynne. Again, very good fresh seafood!

A half hour further up the road we came across a place called The Store in a little community called Kekerengu. With such a distinctive name as The Store, we couldn’t resist stopping in. It turned out to be a great celebration of New Zealand coffee culture.

As well as a huge assortment of fresh pastries and very good coffee, it also had a very nice vibe.

We opted for a seat on the outside patio overlooking the ocean. Great fresh-brewed Cappuccino and Americanos with a shared pastry really hit the spot.

Beware these small and very aggressive seagulls!

The warning here was on the wall above our table. Many times we’ve seen a diner step away only for moments, to return to a table scavenged free of any remaining food!

We continued along parallel to the railway on this northeast section of the South Island coast.

Pretty soon the road turned west away from the sea towards Marlborough.

We’re in wine country now!

This vineyard had a very distinctive look perched at the base of the rolling hills.

And of course, more sheep roaming quite freely.

These hillsides definitely gave us memories of the wine producing areas in Canada’s Okanagan Valley.

This beautiful horse had the field all to himself.

We’re here! Entering Blenheim, Marlborough’s main city.

Beautiful skies enhance the view of the town.

This very large monkey tail tree welcomed us to our first campsite in 5 days, Spring Creek Holiday Park In Blenheim.

Our campsite was on the banks of the very attractive Spring Creek.

We had the company of sheep on the other bank of the creek.

We picked up delicious snacks at the nearby Four Square grocery store.

We developed quite a taste for Barker’s delicious Fruit for Cheese matchings. Black Cherry & Pinot Noir jelly, a recommended match for camembert or brie. Paired with a good NZ Pinot?

Oh yeah!

A few tunes.

A little camp cooking. Yes, we’re back to camping!

Summer in February, what a concept!