Sunday, March 23, 2014

Kaiteriteri Beach


Just outside of Motueka, our final destination on the South Island, we visited the beautiful Kaiteriteri Beach.  It was a popular spot, especially since the weather was sunny and warm.  The kids enjoyed being able to finally wear their swimsuits!

The older three kids swam across to the rocks on the other side of the beach:





Steve joined in the fun!



Back on the beach, the littles were having fun too.  Emily sure loves swimming, but doesn't consider herself "ready" to participate in any water activity unless she has her goggles on.  Most of the time, no matter how often we re-adjust the goggles, her eyelids get all squished and we are certain that she can barely see a thing.  Still, she refuses to take them off.  Funny girl. 









Next four photos brought to you by Ray... and his finger.  :)





See that bridge in the background?


When the tide is high, the water flows under that bridge and into a small bay on the other side.  As the tide goes back out, the current is pretty swift.  We followed the lead of other beach-goers, who jumped into the water on the bay side of the bridge and floated on the current out to sea.  Had a blast!






Three cheers for Kaiteriteri Beach!

Rachel's View: Westport






















Westport/Cape Foulwind Seal Colony

Continuing up the west coast, we stopped for the night in Westport.  We found a big grassy spot, next to a fun playground, in a nearly empty holiday park... heaven!










How YOU doin'?


We enjoyed dinner and some ice cream before heading to see the seal colony.  The holiday park had a nice big kitchen and eating area:



Note to Landon... ice cream cones are supposed to be fun, little dude!




A few miles down the road, we visited Cape Foulwind, and despite its unfortunate name, we found a beautiful beach with an impressive seal colony!  We enjoyed seeing the seals so much that we visited them twice.












There were so many little seal pups to watch, which made the experience extra fun!

Great times on night #10. . . .


 . . . for everyone except Emily, it appears. :)