This train hugs the coastline between Picton & Christchurch; aka; 'The Whale Train'.

But a walk just across the street opens up the view significantly.

Even in rain, the scenery is beautiful; until a freight train intervenes. 😂

Kaikoura is similar to Michigan tourist beach towns

You know you're not in the US when they have multiple rugby balls for sale.

From Blenheim to Kaikoura

March 4 ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

For some reason, when I (jw) planned this stop, I thought we were near at least one of the whale-migration seasons. A few web sites suggest whale-watching is a year 'round activity here. Maybe it is. Sperms, Humpbacks, Blues ... they all seem to pass through here at some point. Yet, regardless of who SHOULD be here now, when Mom Nature decides it's time for rain, well, as we say in Chicago: fuggedaboudit. You're not going to see anything in an overcast, wavy day.

It's our first day of rain. So really, how could we be disappointed? All this time & no rain so far? We'll see whales another time, all things equal.

Yet the views en route here were still beautiful. Continually grateful. 🙏Read more