On to Kaikoura which in Mauri means food crayfish.

The last day in Collingwood K and E spent gold prospecting. They drove up to the old goldfield, along a gravel road, over a narrow bridge with no fence and into a pile of mud. However K reversed across the bridge very calmly and parked under devils boots, two rocks which look like a pair of upturned boots. Contined on foot. K found gold but unfortunately it blew away in the wind. Followed a track up into the hills which went the wrong way so they took a left turn and ended up back at the car with soggy feet and torn clothes after having to climb a couple of barbed wire fences.
To get to Kaikoura you have to travel back the way you've come, which includes a stop at Mussel inn, a small pub and tiny brewery. Counting the curves on the New Zealand highway (which were 221 and not 365 as in the book)they turned south to look for the east coast. Driving through vineyards and vineyards and vineyards K and E stopped for a little rest by the coast and came upon about 15 seals basking in the sun or lolling about on the rocks. That was fun. Continued into Kaikoura and drove along the clifftop looking for a place with fantastic views for less than $80. Having no success they drove round the south bay then back on to the main street where there was only motels. Turned down a side street which turned out to be Harbour Road and found a nice clean place for $65 with no haggling over the road from the beach. The lady in charge is a Yorkshire lassie who has been here for 7 years. With tempers a bit short in spite of having found a good place they had to go shopping. Never a good idea late, when you're hungry. Arrived back with E just wanting a cuppa and slice of toast and K wanting a 3 course meal when there was a tap on the door. Can you eat this? They are leftovers from today's catch. A plate with an enormous NZ lobster or crayfish and a white sauce. Just needs a bit of salt and peppar. E didn't even know who he was, he turned out to be married to the Yorkshire lassie. No prizes for guessing who was happy. They sell for about $70 in a restaurant.
The next day day which was sunny and warm, no wind but low cloud over the mountains E and K decided to tackle Mt Fyffe at 1600 m. There is a track all the way but it is steep ALL the way. Views were some of the best but they hit cloud at about 600 m, which made it different. According to information you should get to the hut after 3 hours which was true. The hut is at 1090 m and after lunch the cloud cleared with views down across the plains to Kaikoura and down the coast. There was no question about continuing up but down was more difficult. K has a knee which made itself known and the going was very slow. E continued down before him and was in the nice warm car when the hailstorm came. K was very sorry for himself all that evening.
Decided to stay another day here then down to Christchurch tomorrow.