My first New Zealand adventure after arriving back in the country was long overdue, therefor I hired a car and went off to explore the Catlins. This was not my first trip down south as I have been there many years ago but no harm in visiting again, right?!Day 1 of my trip and I picked up my Budget rental car in Queenstown, made my way down to Invercargill with a few photo stops inbetween (now that I finally got the chance to stop wherever I wanted!). Shopping, sightseeing and collecting information regarding the Catlins took quite some time and when I finally headed off on the Southern Scenic Route it was late afternoon. Time to put a few miles behind me! At early evening I arrived at Curio Bay's Lazy Dolphin Backpacker, had dinner and went to see the penguins at the fortified forrest (the fossilised remains of an ancient forest). Patience is of the essence and many tourists frankly lack the patience for wildlife viewing, hence the beach was almost empty by the time the Yellow-Eyed-Penguins (hoiho) finally came on shore. A bit clumsy and anxious, the penguins who had remained in the nests, walked down to the shore to welcome their parents/partners. The arriving penguins were busy cleaning their feathers and checking whether or not the coast was clear. I stayed until it was completely dark and left them to their own devices, giving them the chance to settle into their homes.
Day 2 and I headed to Slope Point, the South Island's southernmost point. It was just past 10am but temperatures were on the rise and it should be getting even hotter! Waipapa Point was my next destination and it is one of my favourites in the Catlins. In the last few years it has been developed to a major tourist spot with a proper landscaped carpark and
toilets. I found three sea lions doing different things; snoozing, chasing flies away by throwing sand on their bodies and taking a refreshing swim. I needed refreshing myself as temperatures were high up and so my short sleeve top made way for the sleeveless top, thongs replaced sneakers and my body saw some sunlotion. My feet also experienced sea water again, which they haven't in a very long time!Before finding my accommodation for the night I paid a visit to McLean Falls, Lake Wilkie and the beautiful Florence Hill Lookout. Following a recommendation of a friend, I stayed the night in Papatowai's Hilltop Accommodation and I loved it! Tranquil, up on a hill (who would have guessed, seing the name....) and surrounded by countless sheep, I spent a relaxing evening processing my pictures and getting started on my blog (the German one that is).
Day 3 started off with a waterfall again, this time the famous Purakaunui Falls. It was already hot and I was glad for the shade provided by the forest. Next destination was Jacks Bay and the Blowhole. It didn't blow at all but the scenery was awesome and I worked on my tan (without
having much to do). While climbing the hill up to the lookout, I was watched by inquisitive sheep who usually don't get much of a change during the day. Back on the beach, my feet took a bath in the water and I watched sea lions what looked like fighting. After a while I figured they were actually mating. After a few pictures I left them alone and headed further to Nugget Point, one of the Catlins main attractions. At nearby Kaka Point I ignored the beach and forest walk, enjoyed fish & chips for lunch and had to say goodbye to the Catlins as I needed to be back in Invercargill for the night. I arrived there in the early evening and went to see the new Harry Potter movie. Great flick!Day 4 came and I had to say goodbye to my wee Toyota. My workmate Sara (born and bred Invercargiller) gave me a lift back to Milford and we were greeted by sunshine and hot temperatures. The summer had finally arrived in Milford!!!
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