We're independent again
Trip Start
Nov 05, 2002
1
45
69
Trip End
Aug 13, 2003
The Catlins,
New Zealand
Tuesday, June 3, 2003
So, from Queenstown, and once again under our own steam, we headed for Dunedin, a sizeable town by New Zealand standards on the east coast of the South Island about 3 hours drive from Queenstown. The weather wasn't great and so Dunedin came across as a bit of a drewery place with not much to see or do. We did however like the circular town centre. We found a nice Cambodian restaurant before seeing The Matrix Reloaded in the cinema. The next day we did a tour of Cadbury World, a Cadbury factory and chocolate museum. Needless to say we got loads of free chocolate. B liked that! Unfortunately the production lines were closed for the day as it was the Queens something or other (Birthday or anniversary..... some milestone unimportant to us). Another downer was that fact that our camera packed up on us which was a real bummer. We reckon the Asian and Australian sand finally got to it in the end! So it's disposable cameras from here on out I guess?
Anyway, after Cadbury world and the disappointment of our camera it was time to leave Dunedin for the Catlins. But not before a quick drive out to Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world - maximum gradient 1 in 2.9 angle over 38 degrees. Now that IS steep! We probably shouldn't have but we drove up it in the hire car and boy did it struggle! Glad we didn't have Syd because the poor old boy wouldn't have had a chance!
After Dunedin we headed for the Catlins. Situated off the beaten track on the southern-most coast of South Island, The Catlins is a major highlight of the Southern Scenic Route. Winding between Fortrose and Kaka Point, we travelled through farmland, forest and seascape. There are so many choices of walking tracks and byways. After overnighting in a cool motel in Owaka the highlights of the following day included getting up close to the Sea Lions on Surat Bay, the Purakaunui falls, the fossil forest at Curio Bay which dates back to the Jurassic period (160 million years ago) and Slope Point, the furthest south you can get on the South Island. This area is the scene of some of New Zealand's worst maritime disasters. In 1881 only 20 (out of 151) people survived the wrecking of the SS Tararua 1km off shore. The lighthouse found here today was built in 1884 to prevent any such disasters reoccurring and the nearby graveyard is the final resting place for the dead.
Finishing our sweep of the Catlins and getting back on the SH92 we headed for Invercargill. Passing through we continued on and reached Te Anau earlier this evening. Tomorrow we plan on driving the road to one of New Zealand's premier sights and it's most famous fiord, Milford Sound. Until then we'll enjoy the evening in yet another YHA hostel. Ohh, best go. They are just putting on Lord Of The Rings! See ya later
Dave & B
