Plenty to see during holidays

Press, 13 May 1987, Page 26

Plenty to see during holidays

. Maori legend says that five centuries ago, Chief Tamatea Pokai Whenua 'travelled down the East Coast chasing his three « wives. He stopped on the ' beach near the peninsula, if and cooked himself a ;meal of crayfish, hence 'the name Kaikoura, ; meaning crayfish, and the Z catchphrase, ‘‘Stopping '-Place of the Great Traveller.” -* Why not try a crayfish 'meal yourself, or some - other delicious seafood ? meal at one of our several restaurants or hotels? r Relax in the warmth of

your hotel or motel room and enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains and seascapes. There is plenty for families to see and do for the May school holidays, so why not come on up for a few days, or perhaps make a one day trip with the children. An easy hour’s walk along the Esplanade takes you past the Garden of Memories with their unique whalebone arches. Across the road are whale pots where the blubber was melted down a 100 years ago. Keep walking alongthe

foreshore and take some time to see the aquarium, which has recently been extended to include videos of the marine life around the peninsula. Further on towards the seal colony, you can watch fish being unloaded from the boats and maybe try your luck with a rod or line. A walk around the peninsula is suitable for all the family, but check that the tide will be out before you start. Seals are plentiful at this time of year, and the children will enjoy exploring the rock

pools which have an amazing variety of creatures and seaweeds. Call into the Information Centre on the foreshore and find out about the bush walks, holiday programme, museum and picture theatre opening times. Fyffe House and the Caves are available for visitors'to see most days. If you are looking for action, try a scenic flight, horse trek, canoe safari, a farm tour or four-wheel drive outback trip. Make Kaikoura your next stopping place.