The Catlins is an area of great contrasts and natural beauty with an abundance of wildlife. From magnificent coastal cliffs and headlands, long sweeping beaches, coves and sandy bays; to extensive temperate rainforests, waterfalls and rolling farmland, the Catlins is a fascinating, rugged place “off the beaten track.”
Slope Point is the most southerly point of New Zealand’s South Island. Slope Point itself is not accessible by road but is a 20 minute walk along a track. The AA signpost at Slope Point shows the distance to the Equator and the South Pole.
Jurassic forest at Curio Bay (that’s about 170 million years old) is a gem of New Zealand’s fossil plant history, and because of its complete preservation -pine tree stumps and tree-fern stumps, it’s practically unique. Get to Curio Bay at low tide because the forest is right at sea -level.
It was our bad day as one of the car tyre went flat when we came back from the walk. After a few calls to the car rental company to seek help in looking for the tools, we finally replaced the tyre. What made the day even worse was when the spare tyre went flat too after driving on gravel road. At such rural area, we found nowhere to fix the two punctured tyres, not even a petrol station where we could fill air into them. With no other choice, we gave up visiting all other sightseeing spots and drove around for help.
We were lucky to meet an owner in holiday park and buy a can of compressed air from him to fill the tyre more. With this we could drive the car further until we reached a small petrol station and filled up the air. We switched to the old tyre once again as we felt the air leaking was slower. We finally came to Owaka which has the nearest repair shop.
It happened that staying over night here was originally in our plan and hence we were not left stranded
It was my parents' first time playing monopoly. Simple entertainment makes simple life.
After a whole day of challenges, we were brightened up by a nice sunrise.
You'll find Graham Renwick's quirky collection Teapot Land at Owaka on the Papatowai Highway, on the scenic Catlins route between Balclutha and Invercargill. Owaka's Teapot Land is the country's largest private collection of teapots. There are more than 1000 teapots in this outdoor museum
Surat Bay was named after the sailing ship the “Surat” that was shipwrecked here on New Years Day in 1874. Surat Bay in the Catlins is quiet and peaceful spot, home to many sea lions, seals and native birds, all of which can be viewed in their natural environment. We were lucky to see the only one sea lion.
On the road between the Nugget Point turn-off and Owaka you will find one of the last remains of the old Catlins River railway which, when completed, ran from Balclutha to Tahakopa. The tunnel was completed in 1895. It is just a short walk (10 minutes each way) to the tunnel. You can walk through the 250m tunnel, but the old line beyond the other side is impassable and overgrown. Take a torch with you.
For my previous trip in Catlins, please click here
No comments:
Post a Comment