Southern Scenic Route

Trip Start Dec 20, 2008
1
15
42
Trip End Sep 12, 2009


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of New Zealand  , South Island,
Friday, February 13, 2009

We drove south from Te Anau along the southern scenic route a few days ago. It was a miserable rainy day and we didn't really have any ideas in mind as far as where we wanted to go. Ended up driving through some spectacular rolling hills and coast line until we got to Invercargill. Wasn't exactly much to do there since it was kind of a strange place. They still had all they christmas decorations up in the streets and it felt like a ghost town. Stayed there for a night and then headed to the Catlins.

The Catlins is an area along the southern tip of the island which is dotted with tons of little villages and isolated beachs. We saw Hector Dolphins right off of the beach, which are native to the area. You can surf with them apparently but we didn't do that. We watched Yellow Eyed Penguins with their young... feeding them by regurgitating their catch of the day. We were probably about 5 meters away from them, it was pretty great to watch!

We did numerous small hikes along the way and were able to come across the Catherdral Caves. They are these huge cave formations that are only accessible at low tide. Some of them go 100's of meters deep.... CREEPY! we didn't have a flash light so we had to use the flash from the camera.

We also walked to a view point with a light house from the 1800's that was perched at the end of this cliff area. All around the light house there was these rock outcroppings dotting the area. They called it the Nugget Point, because they looked like gold nuggets.

After another beautiful scenic drive we arrived in Dunedin. Its a great city with tons of European influences. Beautiful old buildings and churchs and lots of history. Our hostel is an old converted mansion with all the original decor. Freezing at night though!

We did a Cadbury Chocolate tour yesterday, since one of the major factories is here. We also did a Speights Brewery tour. Its the "Pride of the South" beer and has been around since the 1800's.

We all have a good feeling about this place, so maybe we will stay here for awhile..... who knows!

Comments

patkiley
patkiley on

New Zealand
It sounds like it isn't tourist season around there, so at least you don't have to fight through the crowds. My imagination is good without the photos this time cuz you're such a good storyteller. You could write a book because I really pick up a spooky feeling from the description of the caves. Goodnight now and lots of love from Pat and I. Have a nice adventure. xoxo

pattiandlen
pattiandlen on

NZ
creepy caves eh? did you see any bats? bet the hostel in the old mansion was fantastic. hope the weather warms up for you, but believe me, it is better than here. Dreary, foggy and dull weather. Mt. Washington got a big dump finally. xox love ya

Add Comment

Use this image in your site

Copy and paste this html: