Fair at Foulwind

When Captain Cook was repeatedly troubled by gales and storms off the west coast of the South Island in the late 1700's, he named the jutting coastline in this area Cape Foulwind, and the name has stuck ever since. Today (Monday May 15) we took advantage of having the only sunny weather in all of NZ to explore this beautiful coastal area, and found it more fair than foul.

Our first stop was the lighthouse, where we enjoyed gorgeous views of the dramatic cliffs of Westport, and the rocky shoreline far below the lighthouse itself. We also made friends with the local weka, yet another of NZ's unique flightless birds. These ones practically climbed into our car!

A few more minutes' drive brought us to the other side of Tauranga Bay, and a short walk to the seal colony. These seals live on the rocks of this sheltered spot all year round, but right now is the time for growing the pups born last spring to maturity. We laughed at the antics of the adolescent pups, who were determined to disturb their elders' afternoon slumber.

And if it feels to you folks as if we are really far away--well, we are!

As the sun got low in the sky, we stopped at a fabulous cafe for a drink and an appetizer at a shoreside table, before driving home to our cottage. Another memorable day.