Maori Rock Art in Waikari pastureland

The sun made an appearance this afternoon (although it's hard to tell in this picture), so I took myself to a walkway down the street from the cottage while Ruben saw patients at the clinic.

Limestone formations like these are a notable feature in Waikari

Note the tiny red barn in the distance

These steer were not far enough in the distance for my taste

The 600+ year-old rock art

I did not stick around to take additional pictures on this trip because those bulls and three others followed me to the up-and-over. There was another tramper heading back and I asked if I could walk with him because those animals were making me nervous. A German tourist in NZ since February 2017, he said, "Those cows are just curious." I pointed out that those aren't cows. The bulls scooted away when we approached, but I was glad not to be alone. Plus I had a nice chat with a fellow tramper.

Waikari, North Canterbury region

We thought Waimate was small. Waikari, which is about 70 km north of the coastal city of Christchurch and, 60 km from the mountain town of Hamner Springs has a posted population of 800. I did not forget any zeros. But it sure is pretty. There are rolling hills dotted with sheep. The landscape is lush with bush that contains both leafy trees and palm trees.

We have been assigned to a batch (rental cottage) at the intersection of Hwy 1 and Hwy 7. It's basic and kind of cute. It's not set up for long-term living, so after our first trip to Amberley (24 km south) for the grocery store, we are still adding items to our the-house-needs list. We were in desperate need of a wash day after our vacay in Kaikoura, but it is pouring rain here in Waikari. That's bad for washing, but good for the region. We had been hearing that scenic areas/walkways were closed due to high fire danger. I am hoping to get out for an exploratory walk when it lets up.

Rocking Frog Cottage

Inside the front door of the cottage. Today's rain is tinkling on the tin roof 

Ruben is at the surgery. The clinic opens at 8:30, so he left the house at 8: 35. It's about 2 km down the street. He will also do rounds at the local hospital.

Washing day on a rainy afternoon means it all comes indoors

The back garden at the cottage

Main street Waikari in its entirety

Across the road from the postshop in Waikari

Looking at the postshop in Waikari

Christmas night, Kaikoura

Following naps after the fantastic luncheon provided by Jen and Warren at the Kaikoura Boutique Hotel, we took a walk to the South Bay to enjoy the evening views.

Black beach on Kaikoura's South Bay. 

We have had some discussion about the black beaches.
They look nice and sandy, but they are quite pebbly and hard on the feet!

Ruben couldn't resist a swim in the calm water. Too cold for me.

Looking at town from the walkway to the South Bay

It seems impossible, but we were ready for another meal after our evening stroll. We picnicked at the hotel patio.

Traditional Christmas mince pies

Fruit mince filling (apple, sultana, current, orange peel)

More Kaikoura

I really loved Kaikoura. I was skeptical at first due to the blowy cold weather and it was a rainy day when we left Tuesday mid-day, but it's gorgeous in the sunshine. Here are additional pictures I took during tramps around the peninsula over Christmas weekend.

This upclose blooming succulent pic is especially for Kristin Moreau.

This is a horse in the ocean!

A group of riders brought their horses for a cool-off

R sharing his ice cream cone with a sperm whale.