We followed on from Clyde by driving down Highway 8, taking the route alongside the Clutha river for most of the route.
The end wall of our room in the Stables
We checked into our room in Dunedin, The Stables, which was even better than expected. Describes as a quiet, off-street boutique establishment, it didn’t disappoint. Our room on the first floor had vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and many exposed features from the original building.
Even better, downstairs we found a wonderful kitchen for everyone’s use, which was great as we were staying 2 nights.
Once we had settled in we wandered down the (steep) hill into town. Dunedin is named after Edinburgh and has many similarities. There are also lots of wall arts to find.
Rather than find then that evening we opted to have a Turkish meal at Sila. They were doing some renovations, and looked almost shut and empty, but we risked it, and had the most delicious meal of the trip. If you are even in Dunedin, check them out.
On Thursday we set off to check out the Otago peninsular. All along the route are cute seaside villages and harbours.
After a very windy drive we reached the end of the peninsular where the only mainland colony of Northern Royal Albatrosses exists. we last visited 19 years ago and it was foggy and calm. This time the sun was shining, so we paid our entrance fee and walked up to the viewpoint, and saw the magnificent birds sitting o their eggs.
Not albatrosses (red beaked gulls).
Not albatross, a seal.
An albatross.
There were 4 nests visible from the hide. None of the birds flew off as they share nesting duties, so one bird flies off to catch food for a few days, then they swap over.
There were lots of other sea birds around too, and we had an educational film and talk while there.
The albatross sitting on their nests.
There is also a beach at the centre where little blue penguins nest, but it was only open in the evening, which would mean driving the long windy road in the dark, so we decided agaist that.
We stopped at a beach for a break on the way back. This is the changing rooms.
Next we tried to find the Mt Cargill view point, but got totally lost, so made do with views from the road we ended up on.
I’m so glad I have a wide angles lens to capture the incredible scenery.
Driving back into town I was puzzled by a photo opportunity showing up on my map, while were were going through housing estates. This turned out to be Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world.
I wouldn’t want to live here!
We needed something for dinner, so we walked through the lovely Botanic Gardens to the supermarket.
Dunedin botanic gardens.
On Friday, before we set off north, we drove down into town and parked up, then I quickly walked around finding some street art. I love these bright displays of talent cheering up blank walls.
Wall art in Dunedin.
Next stop was to see the Moaraki boulders.
These huge spherical boulders look alien and unnatural sat on an ordinary beach.
After a coffee in the visitor centre we travelled up Highway 1 to Oamaru, the steampunk capital. This town has 70 heritage buildings and has capitalised on the Victorian theme, with Steampunk HQ well worth a visit.
Along the road from there is a row of warehouse shops selling all you need to capture your steampunk image, and the children’s playground continues the theme.
Oamaru playground. We stopped for ice cream, but the wind was bitterly cold so we didn’t linger too long.
Our hotel for that night was the Grosvenor. Timaru is a strange town, sat alongside the port, and this hotel is not far from the sea. The corridors are decorated with Mondrian and other art styles, and it has a hip vibe about it.
We took a walk around town, but it was deserted and most places were shut, so after a pleasant meal in the hotel restaurant, we walked down to the beach.
Most evenings, near the road between the port and the beach, you can watch little blue penguins waddle up to their nests.
This one even stood and did a little dance and sang his song for us. This was far better than the long drive and entrance fee to see the Dunedin penguins.
Our next day sees us travel to Christchurch, so I’ll leave that for the next post.
Shardlows Highs 