Driving down the East Coast of the South Island - part 2

I don't recall anything that particularly captured my attention on the drive from just below Kaikoura to Christchurch.  Perhaps that's due in part to the fact it had been a long day that started early in Wellington, North Island and included a trip on the Interislander Ferry before the drive from Picton to my arrival in Christchurch around 9.30 pm.

Last year, we flew into Christchurch and drove to Akaroa which is a pretty little French Provincial type of town, that sits in the heart of an ancient volcano.  The drive as you head down into Akaroa is beautiful which you will probably hear, or should I say read, me saying a lot when describing various parts of New Zealand as much of the scenery is simply gorgeous.

I was very keen to do a cruise as again, there is some very unique sea life in this part of New Zealand.  The smallest and rarest Hector Dolphins play in this part of the world and I was really hoping to see them.  However, the weather was not on our side that day and all cruises were cancelled.  So another one for the to do list!

Heading further down the coast is some beautiful coastline, particularly around the Timaru and Oamaru area. In Oamaru, you will find the Steampunk HQ Museum which is in a fantastic old building and houses some unique artworks.

Oamaru has some well preserved heritage buildings as well as stone buildings made from local limestone.  There is a Victorian precinct near the Steampunk HQ Museum where you will find an array of eclectic shops and some of the shopkeepers wearing Victorian clothing as well.  It's a great place to have a wander and a browse and you could easily spend a number of hours there.

The area is also known for it's little blue penguins and yellow eyed penguins, however, I didn't see any in my travels as I were there at the wrong time of day.  Sunset is the best time to see these little beauties.

Whitestone Cheese is also made in Oamaru.  I didn't get to visit their factory, however, I have tasted their cheeses and I'm a very big fan.  Their Moeraki Blue is delicious as are their soft cheeses, so some taste testing is highly recommended.

Further down the road is a little place named Moeraki where there are some large volcanic boulders scattered along the beach.  It's only a small place, so you need to watch for the signs (just south of Hampden).  

There is a cafe/restaurant and gift shop with a generous carpark.  You can take a walk down to the beach for a gold coin donation to look at these spectacular boulders.  I've seen them a few times now, but have never managed to be there with the right tides at either sunset or sunrise as I would love to photograph them then.  However, they are pretty amazing at any time of day.