We left Rarangi after a leisurely start. State highway 1 took us into Blenheim and a diversion to visit Marlborough wineries. Well, you've got to, don't you. First up, a very new boutique vineyard, Gibson Bay, where we bought a lovely bottle of Gewurztraminer which we're saving to have with a good curry. Then to Spy Valley, a well-established and large business. They also do olive oil and we acquired a bottle for its citrus smell and peppery follow-through; perfect for salads.
Driving down State Highway One, we stopped at one of the few pull-off points, at Kekerengu (named after a particularly nasty figure from Maori legends) We walked a little on the black beach looking at the little river which rushes into the sea, so narrow you can step across it even as it empties into the Pacific.
A little further on, at Parikawa, Pip spotted fur seals! Lounging on the rocks, occasionally having a half-hearted set to, whether for passion or territory wasn't clear (at least to us; presumably they know the difference!)
We took lots of pictures; this one shows up the bull's mane. Females are smaller and don't have the ruff. Saves on bad hair days. In Maori they are called kokeno.