Gourmet (ahem...) road tripping

Having completed the Milford track in the far south, we then only had 2 days to drive the length of the island to catch the ferry north.
These days were spent driving with a few planned stops (incl. Dunedin), and a few unplanned ones (incl. Evansdale).
Setting off early from a campsite near Gore we were treated to a beautiful sunrise:

The next few hours were spent singing along to Flanders and Swann (somehow makes great breakfast listening) as we drove to Dunedin.
First stop was the Cadbury Chocolate factory.

In true Disney style we were met by a chap in purple dungarees who took us on a quick tour through the cocoa scented halls where we were given liquid chocolate to taste and a bag of goodies.
We then picked up a chocolate coffee in the cafe before continuing the drive north

As we drove we saw a little sign for a cheese factory which seemed worth a stop. After ringing the bell and waiting a while a chap called Les arrived to give us some cheese to taste. Turns out Evansdale make some really yummy bries (amongst others). We left with a wedge of the manuka smoked.

By lunchtime we'd made it to Moeraki where we saw the famous boulders and shared a blue cod burger at the Tavern.

We then had a fruitless search for some yellow eyed penguins before continuing up state highway 1 (sidebar: NZs biggest road state highway 1 is like driving along a scenic country A road in England, so the driving itself is not too onerous due to the lovely views).
By afternoon we'd hit Oamaru, a quaint little Victorian town where we had a wander through town and along the pier to see some blue penguins.

As it was a Sunday we'd unfortunately missed the Whisky tasting!
We spent the night in a lovely little campsite ~20kms north of Oamaru where they gave us fresh veggies from their garden! Only a snack dinner was needed given the large lunch and chocolate intake of the day.
The next morning was a long slog to Christchurch where we had lunch in beers and burgers and I can confirm, they have the best fish burgers on the South Island, and I know as I've eaten loads of them!
A few bits of admin in Christchurch then a long drive to Kaikoura where we picked up another yummy iced coffee- remember, the fantastic one I told you about 4 weeks ago from the why not cafe? Definitely worth repeating.
Yet more driving to get to a DOC campsite near enough for the 07.00 check in for the ferry at Picton. The burger and the coffee were enough calories to mean only an apple was needed for dinner!
Not sure how many calories have been consumed in the last few days (and don't want to), I do know how many calories have been expended sat in the car/driving (zero), and it doesn't take a maths genius to do that sum...but woke up this morning still full! Eek, diet starts today.