Clarence

If you live in Christchurch, it's good for the nerves to get out of the city regularly.
And so every few months, we head off with our good friends Graeme and Sue and do just that!
Arthurs Pass, Akaroa, Tekapo, Hanmer are  examples of previous escapes.
This time it was to be up to the Clarence Valley north of Kaikoura - and from Friday afternoon to Monday, a well deserved long weekend.

Woodbank Cottage

Woodbank Cottage - an older circa 1930s farm cottage, hidden up the valley - perfectly appointed.
A few minutes walk from the Clarence River, heaps of farm tracks to wander over - something for everyone. A great log fire, four bedrooms, heaps of magazines, and if you are desperate, TV. And best of all - silence - apart from the morning and evening songs from the bellbirds, tui, thrushes and blackbirds!
This is a place we will definitely come back to. A family time beckons.

Farmland by Cottage

Clarence Valley and Inland Kaikoura Range

Which way?

On the way home, we visited the waterfall near Ohau Point to see if there were any baby seals in residence. This is now a tourist attraction with most vehicles now stopping off for the 4-5 minute walk in to the falls. There were five youngsters frolicking about in the pool. These guys find their way up the stream from the beach at least half a kilometre away.

Seal pups at Ohau Stream