We had a great time on the Nth. Island, and early on the 2nd of October we lined up with others ready to board the Interisland vehicular ferry to take us to the Sth. Island. Boy, do they pack the cars in!
once the car was parked, we went up on deck to enjoy the view and some morning tea in the restaurant. We met up with a newlywed couple from Japan, both in med school, to become doctors. It was so interesting to hear of their culture and how as a young couple they are moving towards a more western way of life.
The trip between islands was a smooth one, and a couple of hours later we were docking at the Wharf in Picton on the Sth. Island.
That afternoon we went for a drive through the forest area of Malborough. No wonder the Wharves are covered in stacks of logs waiting for shipment. The forest is so dense up there.
From the Cullen Point lookout we were able to overlook the bays below. That afternoon we travelled down through the valley then back out to the east coast to stay in Blenheim.
The next morning we were eager to get on the road early, for more sights and photos of this beautiful country. Heading south and a bit in from the coast, we went through Seddon and on to Lake Grassmere, stopping for some short walks and pics.
A lot of roadworks were still being carried out here after the earthquake of 2011. I thought this sign was cute.
Next stay was at Hapuku Lodge on our way to Hanmer Springs
Next few days were spent in the beautiful Akarowa area. A family get together at a farm B and B. overlooking Akarowa. The house and gardens were immaculate.
The meals and service were great, and as for the view from our upstairs room, you couldn’t get any better.
This was our upstairs room with a view.
We went driving through the hillside, giving us awesome views and some rather scary moments. Not to mention getting bogged, and with nowhere to turn around ,all hands were needed to push us out backwards. Thankfully there were no other’s sightseeing on the narrow tracks that day. !! How cute is this mum and bub.
We survived the drive, and enjoyed some time at Robinsons bay .
After our few days with the family, Chris and I went on our way heading further down south. We stopped for a break at Three Creeks to have a look at a good collection of old wares and timber furniture.
From here we headed inland through Burks Pass for some time in snow country.
We were fortunate to have good weather, and seeing Lake Tekapo in spring was beautiful .
Mt Cook was up in the clouds the day we visited and rather cool, so we sat in the café for awhile and had something to eat before doing the Tasman Glacier walk. The walk wasn’t difficult, just rough going, but worth doing.
Interesting to see big drifts of ice coming down and floating around at the base of the mountain.
We stayed at Twizzel for a couple of days, which is down on the lakes and has the snow capped mountains in the distance.
From there we were able to do day trips, one being to see the Benmore hydro station. The water churning out through the gates was so clean and no doubt cold.
After the snow we headed back through Island Cliff, to Oamaru on the coast, then down to Dunedin.
Dunedin has the steepest drivable street in the world. So we just had to go for a drive up, and down Baldwin st. 35% gradient, from 30 m to 100 m.
After Dunedin, our next stop was Invercargill. It was raining the day we were there so we spent most of the day in the Transport Hall of Fame. Truly a credit to those that look after it . So clean and well presented.
The bathrooms were interesting to say the least
Such a great display of cars and vehicles, all highly polished and being dusted down continually by the floor attendants. Nothing shabby to see here,!
As well as the Transport display, there was the display of a recent competition, fashion clothes made from recyclable fabric.
Loved this one made from travel tickets
Some crocheted scrunchies, different . And how about this one resembling David Bowie, I think the outfit was made from washcloths !
This next one was made from grasses, bark, and what seemed like a lot of dead weeds for the hat !!
Dressed for the party in colourful balloons ,
And one made from postage stamps. so much time would have gone into making it
The cleanliness of the building is a credit to them. Upstairs where the finer things in life are displayed, was highly polished timber floors. Pastel painted walls and cool lighting. Fine millinery, baby clothes and so much more. A place not to be missed if over ths way.
I’m usually not one for museums, I get bored easily, but this place kept me interested for hours, and was well worth the visit. I also hope this one does have someone interested enough to keep it going into the future . Well that was our trip South, and reaching the bottom of the Island, it was time to head North up the west coast. I will start a new blog for that.