Day 2 of the Kaikoura Coastal Track, a 26km two day private hiking track that has been run successfully by a pair of farming families for over 30 years. It starts 45 minutes drive south of Kaikoura, about half way between Picton and Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island.

It was an interesting start to the day with a colourful sunrise, followed by strong winds and some rain. The upside of which was a double rainbow over The Whare, where we’d spent the night.

At 8.30am we were picked up and driven 25 minutes to Buntings Gully, on the other side of the hills, with a few cattle to pass through.

From here it was a relentless ~500m climb, mostly in the bush.

Though it did open at times for great views of the landscape inland.

Bruce’s Seat offered a welcome rest and more views.

Reaching the ridgeline there were spectacular views toward the coast and the Kaikoura Peninsula to the north.

The wind was really picking up, so I didn’t spend long at the 486m summit of Skull Peak, the highest point on the walk.

The good views continued heading down from the peak.

To have lunch at the well located shelter.

A southerly front was coming in and we left the shelter in even stronger winds and steady cold rain. I kept my camera safe in my pack, and occasionally used my iPhone to document the rest of the hike. The photos really don’t convey how cold and miserable it was…

After about an hour the rain ended and we made fast progress as it was all downhill. The walk finishes where it started, at The Beach House, where I’d left my car.