Kean Pt ~ Kaikoura, New Zealand

Have you seen Fur Seals, in their natural habitat, doing what seals do?

Kean Point Kaikoura is a haven for wildlife and most importantly, at least for the tourists, are the New Zealand Fur Seals.

Kaikoura, being the small seaside town that it is, makes finding Point Kean relatively easy. A short drive from the town centre will see you at the point.

Along with many other tourists all searching for their up close and personal encounter with the seals. Although, the area is well signed and tourists are advised to stay at least 10 metres away, after all these are wild animals.

This was tricky for the kids though, keeping ones distance from a cute and cuddly baby seal is just so hard to do.

If you keep your eyes peeled there is all manner of bird life around the point. This Southern Black-backed Gull, decided to nest right on the main thoroughfare for the tourists heading out to get their glimpse of a seal or two.

He was continually on guard for random tourists that weren't looking where they were going to ensure they didn't step on the nest. We watched one tourist get the fright of his life, as he wasn't aware of the nest and the gull certainly let him know that it was there!

We visited Kaikoura over the New Year period, whilst it is often relatively windy out on the point, the days were glorious and it was certainly a lovely place to sit and be with nature....and to take silly family snapshots. I'm sure the seals have seen worse!

This was one of those moments where my daughter just could not resist sneaking up to get a closer look at the baby seal. Thankfully she chose to stay above and behind him on the rock, so he was completely oblivious to her even being there.

It certainly is a rare treat to see these beautiful animals in their natural environment simply doing what seals do.

Be sure to visit Kean Point several times during your Kaikoura stay and time your visits at different intervals, that way you are bound to see a variety of seals all behaving differently.

Whilst difficult for us to photograph, one of the highlights was visiting on high tide and whilst there were no gorgeous specimens sunning themselves as most of the point is covered in water, there were many seals, frolicking and swimming with each other right before our eyes.

It was truly magical to witness.

Whilst in Kaikoura, though be sure to take the short drive north to see the Ohau Seal Colony, whilst a different viewing environment than Point Kean, there are generally larger numbers at Ohau.

Pin This So You Don't Forget It!

Kaikoura is 180km north of Christchurch, a small seaside village, with a permanent resident population of approximately 2000, it is popular with both tourists and locals.

We loved or time with the seals, definitely a bucket list experience!

Happy Travels,
Kylie

Bestbrook ~ The Setting

We've been out exploring South East Queenslands, Granite Belt Country. During our time out that way we stayed at Bestbrook Mountain Resort.

A stunning country setting, with rustic cabins, camping grounds, bunk house style accommodation and a large main coach house area with a bar, cafe and games room.

The rustic style cabins are scattered throughout the large property. Some having direct creek access and others further away on small hill tops over looking the entire farm stay area.

This gives you a good idea as to just how spread out things are here at Bestbrook, which is fabulous for some beautiful peace and quiet. Not once did we hear any noise from surrounding cabins or campers.

However to check out anything on the farm is a pretty decent walk and in all honesty we drove pretty much everywhere. The kids all had their push bikes, thanks to the generosity of a friend transporting them out there for us. So they peddled everywhere, with sore and tired muscles on every inch of their body by the end of the week.

A view from the deck of one of the cabins that has direct creek access. You can also see how far away your closest cabin actually is. Just across the creek is the camp ground. I suppose in busy times you would probably get some noise coming from there.

Each cabin has a fire pit of some description. You did need to take your own wood or purchase from the coach house. There is absolutely no fossicking for wood allowed on the property.

Jump across the creek, or drive around on the gravel road and you find the camp ground. This area is quite isolated from the main coach house area of the farm stay. But perfect for those just wanting to get away from it all.

There isn't much in the way of facilities over in the camp ground, apart from port a loo's (showers are further back up the hill) and a rustic outdoor covered area.

However there is plenty of room, mostly flat ground and several trees to grab some shade over your structure.

Gap Creek itself, which runs directly through Bestbrook is quaintly picturesque. We were told that it was very low during our stay and some areas were completely dry, but in others there still seemed to be quite a bit of water....enough for a spot of yabby fishing anyway.

Butterflies and Dragonflies proliferate the edges of the creek banks. They are such busy little creatures, getting a shot of one was certainly very trying. No point chasing them, it's definitely a case of sit still and wait for them to come to you.

Bestbrook has several horses and a hand full of farm animals. From my understanding this is not a working farm, but purely a tourist destination so apart from riding horses, they only have a handful of other farm animals.

The owners are also keen collectors of farming implements and there are several of these scattered around the main coach house area.

The main coach house sits atop the hill at the entrance to Bestbrook, and looks out over the property below.

The verandah area is a lovely spot to sit for an afternoon beverage or to enjoy some Eggs Benedict from the cafe inside at breakfast.

You can just see the kids in the pool from here too!

The pool is a great addition I think, as inviting as the creek was, all the kids found it rather chilly.

Inside the coach house you will find a well stocked bar, again decorated with all manner of farm implements and antique bits and pieces.

The coach house is a series of rooms, with seating available in each of them. With the very far room tucked away as a games room area.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Bestbrook Mountain Resort. All of the staff were extremely friendly and welcoming to both adults and children alike.

Happy Travels,
Kylie

The Otways ~ The Otway Treetop Walk

The Great Otway National Park has got to be one of the most stunning natural places to visit in Australia. We only had but a day to see as much of this spectacular area as we could. Let's just say that we will most definitely head back to that region of our world. It is purely magical.

Heading to Ballarat was a last minute decision. My husband had to head down for work for a few days and he suggested we all tag along. Normally I would say no, but this time I ignored all reason and said yes!

We did have a fabulous few days exploring Ballarat and in another spur of the moment decision, we decided that we could absolutely tackle The Otways and The Great Ocean Road in a little over a day. Some may call us mad and it certainly was a whirlwind visit but I am so very glad we made the decision we did.

We headed straight for the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, this was kind of out of the way considering our very limited time frame but we made the mad dash anyway.

Unfortunately we just didn't have the time to undertake the fly. I'd have to say though that zip lining through this magnificent place would be awesome so if you are in the area be sure to allow plenty of time to fit that in.

We did however, have just enough time to fit in a wander through the Treetop Walk. They suggest this takes approximately 1 hour. You could most definitely do it in less time but it would be a rush and the pure tranquility of this place simply begs you to spend more time there.

After a brief dirt road stroll through the rainforest you arrive at the first section of the mighty steel structure. This thing is huge. In fact it is the longest and tallest of its kind in the world.

With a massive cantilever section that juts straight out into the forest canopy and a 45 metre spiral tower that truly takes your breath away; because by the time you are at the top you are so damn dizzy you can barely breath from walking around in circles! Hehehe, ok so it isn't really that bad but it is some set of stairs I will say that much.

The vegetation is simply stunning. I adore the way in which both the ground level and higher walkways have all been designed to allow you to be completely immersed in the vegetation without actually harming any of it.

Be sure to look up as you walk, there are some pretty spectacular views of the Treetop Walk structure.

Of course there is always one crazy in every family selfie. Isn't there?!

This gives you a good overview of the area, the walkways and the Treetop Walk itself. I know I've already said it but this is most definitely worth a visit.

The End Of The World

Yesterday

Headed Our Way

Dark And Gloomy

Fast And Ferocious

End Of The World Is Nigh

Until You're On The Other Side

In simple pleasures you will find life's treasures,
Kylie xx

Storm Chasing

I love storms!

Well actually maybe I should rephrase that a little. I love storms only if they aren't horrifically bad and only if my dear husband is home. If there's a whopper brewing and he isn't here you can bet I am on that blower texting him to get his butt home ASAP. Meanwhile I'll be putting on the mummy brave face for the kidlets whilst I'm shaking in my boots hoping to God that nothing major happens.

So yeah I do love storms. The way the temperature drops, the wind picks up and the smell of the rain on the air, it sure gets those senses going.

I follow a few Storm Chasers on facebook, those guys are freaky cool, the images they capture are totally amazing. Truly a storm in all its fury is Mother Nature at her best. Even just catching an image of a storm front heading our way is something I have longed for but they have always eluded me.

Until this particular afternoon in December late last year, this little beauty was headed right for us at the perfect angle and yes my dear husband was home so all I had to think about was taking the pictures, bless his soul!

She was a fast moving beast though and I didn't even have time to fetch my real camera so the iPhone snap it had to be. It has definitely left me wanting more though, so bring on those summer storms I say, bring them on.

In simple pleasures you'll find life's treasures,
Kylie xx