Wandered around Picton, but it was overcast and cold and nothing was open. Had a big brunch, then hung out in the hostel until the shuttle bus arrived. Took the bus to the east coast then south to Kaikoura. As soon as we got near the coast the gray skies turned to blue and it was beautiful. Strange to have sunny skies and beaches right next to mountains with snow on them.
In Kaikoura I checked in to a hostel and made arrangements for the next couple days. Tomorrow was booked, so Tuesday I'm hopefully swimming with the dolphins. Tomorrow I'm booked to go down in a shark cage - they see mostly blues, but some makos, and the occasional white. If the weather stays good I might try to go for a more traditional dive on Wednesday.
Wandered around Kaikoura - it's even smaller than Picton and ended up on the black pebble beach. Dramatic scenery, the snow capped mountains literally rise straight from the beach. Sat in the sun on the beach until the sun started to go behind the mountains. By then the sand fleas were driving me nuts so I packed it in. Watched some TV at the hostel, then wandered out for diner - ran into people I'd met in Rotorua on the street which was kind of strange. Back at the hostel watched Blade Runner then headed for bed.
