After leaving Kaikoura on Wednesday we headed towards Blenheim. It rained all the way and it was easy to see that there had been some very heavy falls at some stage as there were many places on the road where it had flooded. Fortunately it was receding. We had hoped to stop off and see the baby seal colony at just past the Ohau Point Seal Colony but it was SO miserable that we decided that it was something to leave until our return trip.
This link shows you exactly where to stop and what to see when you get there. Baby seal colony
Looking at our NZMCA Directory we could see that there was a DOC camp quite close to Blenheim and we thought this might make a good spot to spend a day/night. The turn was just before Lake Grassmere and the camp was an 8km drive towards the sea. It was here that we found Marfell Beach. Being June we were the only ones there but during mid summer I imagine it would be bulging at the seams. There were heaps of camp sites, a couple of toilet blocks and fresh water.
DOC link for further information: Marfell Beach
Our park gave us great views out to the bay but it wasn't until the next morning that we were able to get outside for a walk. It rained all day, the sea roared and the wind blew though we were sheltered from that.
On waking the next morning it was hard to believe the sea could be so flat. The rain had stopped and the sun was trying to shine. After breakfast we set off for a walk along the beach to the point. There is a lighthouse at Cape Campbell and it would have been nice to been able to walk that far. But 90 minutes one way was further than we wanted to do and just as well. About half an hour into our walk back came the rain and by the time we returned to the bus we were drenched!!!!
Before leaving the area I just had to collect some of the 'wild silver beet' that was growing profusely in the area. After stashing away a large supermarket bag full we headed back down the road and into Blenheim.
This link shows you exactly where to stop and what to see when you get there. Baby seal colony
Looking at our NZMCA Directory we could see that there was a DOC camp quite close to Blenheim and we thought this might make a good spot to spend a day/night. The turn was just before Lake Grassmere and the camp was an 8km drive towards the sea. It was here that we found Marfell Beach. Being June we were the only ones there but during mid summer I imagine it would be bulging at the seams. There were heaps of camp sites, a couple of toilet blocks and fresh water.
DOC link for further information: Marfell Beach
Our park gave us great views out to the bay but it wasn't until the next morning that we were able to get outside for a walk. It rained all day, the sea roared and the wind blew though we were sheltered from that.
On waking the next morning it was hard to believe the sea could be so flat. The rain had stopped and the sun was trying to shine. After breakfast we set off for a walk along the beach to the point. There is a lighthouse at Cape Campbell and it would have been nice to been able to walk that far. But 90 minutes one way was further than we wanted to do and just as well. About half an hour into our walk back came the rain and by the time we returned to the bus we were drenched!!!!
Before leaving the area I just had to collect some of the 'wild silver beet' that was growing profusely in the area. After stashing away a large supermarket bag full we headed back down the road and into Blenheim.
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