We are now driving across the southern most part of the South Island, NZ. Dunedin is the largest city in the Southland and is mostly known for it’s Scottish heritage and the country’s oldest university.
The railway station is really quite something – inside and out.
The CBC (how Kiwis refer to their Central Business Districts) felt a little like Europe to me, with sidewalk cafes and such.
When Al saw the excellent marketing (above) of a local scenic train ride, he was keen to give it a go. While the Taieri Gorge Railway tour didn’t quite live up to expectations, we had a pleasant day onboard and met a very nice Kiwi gentleman who provided lots of good travel information. We hope to visit him at his home on the North Island next month.
A bit of the gorge.
The oldest wrought iron structure in NZ.
Nicely restored vintage train cars.
While in the area, we also toured the Otago Peninsula where we saw some magnificent Albatross flying near the Royal Albatross Centre. Sorry we didn’t get any photos, but our little Panasonic Lumix pocket camera wasn’t up to the task. The birds were wonderful to see though.
Taiaroa Head where we watched the Albatross.
Looking back towards Dunedin from the end of the Peninsula.
A bit further on we Freedom Camped at the Oceanview Reserve in Brighton where I caught this nice sunrise. I didn’t immediately recognize the tracks in the sand.
It didn’t take long for the mystery to be solved. Never seen this on a beach before!
The thing I liked best about this restored sod house was…
This open-door policy. A sweet little museum that is always open.
Lunch stop on our way to Nugget Point.
Approaching Nugget Point Lighthouse on foot.
Vistas from just beyond the lighthouse.
Lots of fur seals down there and beautiful blue water.
Short hike through dense bush near campground in Punawea.
This Punawea sunset lasted at least an hour.
You know you’re in New Zealand when sheep impede your progress on the highway. The number of sheep here is truly unbelievable.
Another walk through the bush. Check out those tree ferns.
That walk terminated at Purakaunui Falls. Follow the link for a much better photo of them.
Travels with haRVy 
Love seeing the Dunedin Railway Station architecture, mosaic, stained glass, clock tower! Horse carriages (not sure what they are called?) on the beach – cool surprise! Ahhh – the open door policy of that sweet museum… That sunset… wowie. The walks and the falls. My oh my.
By: Leslie on March 24, 2016
at 10:46 am
How beautiful! Loved the sunset, and the sheep and the almost tropical forests.
By: Janne Roehm on March 24, 2016
at 7:13 pm
Just catching up with you after our Easter weekend with kids and grandkids…Wow, New Zealand just gets better and better! Seems like many of the names of places sound almost Hawaiian??? Thanks again for your diligent “reporting”
By: Paula Lindeman on March 31, 2016
at 6:56 pm
The names are similar to those in Hawaii because they both have Polynesian heritage.
By: sunnyharvy on April 3, 2016
at 12:41 am