We're taking the advice from many good people and taking a break.  We've been hitting it pretty hard lately and Kaikora, New Zealand is providing us a nice small and quiet place on the coast to relax for 5-6 days.

Kaikoura is on the east coast of the South Island and is known for whale watching more than anything else.  It does have quite a bit of natural beauty as well, with mountains as a backdrop (that have been hidden by clouds). 

We took in some of the beauty today with a hike out to the cliffs on the peninsula.  We'd recommend it, but if you're considering it- don't go all the way to South Bay - there is nothing there.

 At the bottom of the hike there is a reserve for seals and it was so fun watching this guy dream as he slept- just like Amos.  We wondered what he dreamt about...my guess- catching fish.

Of course, what walk in new Zealand would be complete without sheep.  My dad says there are 40 sheep for every person. It seems like more. We've learned that when you're bored on long drives, you can honk your horn and the sheep on the side of the road will run.

Here's Sachi using her patented arm balacing position on the cliff...

We're continually amazed at how NZ seems to trust people and let them go places that could be dangerous without fences or waivers. Ahh, life without litigation... how nice.