Barry and I are continuing to have a ball as we drive around the South Island of NZ, so here is another postcard. On the advice of a friend, whilst we were in Dunedin we went to visit Tunnel Beach. For some reason we thought it was kind of like drive up to the beach walk a hundred metres, walk through this tunnel some bloke dug through the rock to get to the beach. Laugh. It was an hour down and back, down some of the steepest slippery slopes I’ve ever met but boy was it worth it. We finally made it down and saw how the man had cut a tunnel through the cliff so he could access the beach. Amazing.
And then we accidentally came across this guy – a young male New Zealand Sea Lion having a nap. Glad we didn’t wake him!
We headed west from Dunedin via the Catlins – wild and rugged country right at the bottom of the island, with not many people or places in it. We hit the jackpot when we arrived in Papatowai and discovered the Lost Gypsy Gallery – a kind of gallery/bus/theatre made of found objects and filled with self-winding automata by Blair Somerville. I’ll let you look it up to see how amazing it really is; but here are some images of our brief visit there. They also made awesome coffee in the coffee caravan next door.
Then we headed along to Te Anau, and stopped by the Lake. The sun is high in the sky until late evening, so with fish and chips besides us and a glass of cold NZ sauvignon blanc, all was well with the world.
And then we accidentally came across this guy – a young male New Zealand Sea Lion having a nap. Glad we didn’t wake him!
We headed west from Dunedin via the Catlins – wild and rugged country right at the bottom of the island, with not many people or places in it. We hit the jackpot when we arrived in Papatowai and discovered the Lost Gypsy Gallery – a kind of gallery/bus/theatre made of found objects and filled with self-winding automata by Blair Somerville. I’ll let you look it up to see how amazing it really is; but here are some images of our brief visit there. They also made awesome coffee in the coffee caravan next door.
Then we headed along to Te Anau, and stopped by the Lake. The sun is high in the sky until late evening, so with fish and chips besides us and a glass of cold NZ sauvignon blanc, all was well with the world.
Love the South Island, the geriatric ski team used to go there a lot, some skiing and lots of sight seeing.
ReplyDeleteShame I cant ski any more.
Hi Penny I hear the skiing here is great, I just don't do it! It remains a very good place to visit nonetheless.
DeleteIt sounds (and looks...) like THE perfect vacation!
ReplyDeleteYour description and pictures are amazing; it almost made me feel I was there...
Enjoy the rest of your wonderings, drive safe!
Thanks Anna it is always good to follow other folks' travels...go well F
DeleteI'm having a lovely virtual tour to places I've either never seen or not seen in more than half a lifetime. Keep going, please!
ReplyDeleteGlad you ate enjoying the your Dinah, will keep on going as suggested!
DeleteIs it possible to have a case of lust for visiting a country? To stand on a beach and feel the sea breeze, hear the waves and sea birds playing? If so, I've a bad case of NZ lust!
ReplyDeleteAll that gorgeous rust in your last post and now that breathtaking beach (and steps)...aah...
I hope you and Barry continue to have a most delightful holiday!
Hi J sounds like you will need to add an NZ leg to your trip down under! It is wonderful , the landscape and the wildlife not to mention the wine...
Deletemy heart caught when i saw where your tunnel led - and at the thought and admiration of what people did to create it...
ReplyDeletehow will you ever leave this magical place?
Hi MJ a magical place indeed, we ate really enjoying ourselves. Something new and beautiful each day. Go well
DeleteOh Fiona, I do love having friends that travel and take the stay-at-homes with them. Love the photos, and the light tunnel is amazing. Do you know the work of James Turrell? think you would enjoy it. And must say loved that you and Barry found a rust heaven. Have a great time as I will following you.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, glad you are enjoying the trip! I love James Turrell's work - he has done a piece in Canberra. we have been thrilled with the rusty discoveries so far as well as the food wine birds and landscapes!
Deletelovely, and then a sea lion (shhh). the pic of barry is really nifty
ReplyDeleteHi V amazing what an iPhone app can go to stitch a panorama! It is a wonderful trip, and I was quite taken aback to just come across that fellow - shhhh indeed!
DeleteI saw that amazing tunnel over at Barry's post... it is incredible... and the reward at the end of the tunnel is the BEACH. Looks like you two are on a wonderful journey.
ReplyDeleteWe are indeed Donna and one we would recommend! Water is never far away here and just wonderful. Go well
ReplyDeletehow wonderful to hear and see glimpses of your time in NZ! i loved spending time there once. magical place. lovely days and nights to the two of you!
ReplyDeleteThanks T- L, do happy our trips reminds you of your visit! We are enjoying our days and nights...
DeleteThe rusty letters have got my heart racing and that delicious branched concertina tin piece is simply amazing. To find the slumbering seal on that beautiful beach must have been the cherry on the top.
ReplyDeleteHi Robyn, lots of lovely discoveries as we wander around, and then a sea lion! 'Tis good indeed...
DeleteOh Fiona, what a trip. This post and the previous one have me busting to go back to the South Island. You and Barry are such great photographers, thank you for this wonderful peep into your holiday.
ReplyDelete