The most recent earthquake in New Zealand in November 2016 nearly destroyed the main road connecting Kaikoura and Christchurch. But the reconstruction is nearly completed, and the journey makes for a perfect day trip or longer, if you have the time. My husband and I drove in the morning from Christchurch and spent hours admiring the interactions between the sea lion pups and their newly born playmates, all under the watchful eyes of their vigilant mothers and fathers. To see the sea lions playing safely on their own environment is a very special treat. I used my NIKON D7200 and an AF-S DX VR Nikkor 55-300mm 4.5-5.6G ED, ISO 400.