New Zealand South Island, Bluff to Picton

We drove the southern scenic route which was conceived by the people of Tuatapere, western southland, who, in 1985, decided to share the delights of southern New Zealand with all those who took the time to venture down there way.

We stopped at Waipapa Point hoping to catch a glimpse of penguins and sea lions.  We continued up the east coast to Dunedin.   We had hoped to catch a glimpse of the New Zealand Albatross.  However, the weather did not cooperate as we had gale force winds high atop the mountain viewing station.  The winds were so high, it knocked out the power and as we entered the building, the lights went out and the tours cancelled.  

 We decided to visit the Scottish settlement and the Larnach Castle.  This is a private residence owned and operated by the Barker family and is open to the public for viewing and well worth the drive which was the definition of a Long and Winding road. 

In 1870 William Larnach, an Australian banker built this splendid mansion and lived there with 3 successive wives until 1898.  The Barkers bought the property in 1967 which became their home and the restoration and development of this site became their life’s work.  It is spectacular and well worth the visit.

Continuing north we saw many interesting sights along the way. 

Our next stop was a revisit to Christchurch. 

Here was our chance to see the elusive little Blue Penguin who were resident rescuees at the Internationally renowned Antarctic Exhibit.  This world famous historical reproduction of Shackleton's Antarctic adventures is well worth the visit. 

 

It includes a ride in the Arctic all terrain vehicle (make sure you are strapped.  

Our driver,  Sergei, who was Russian and had spent time at the Antarctic station,  delighted in finding the steepest terrain and deepest potholes reminiscent of the true Antarctic terrain. 

Also a visit to the cold room, to experience an Antarctic winter gale, as temperatures are lowered and huge wind fans reproduce the effect rather well and the heavy weather clothing provided was appreciated. 

 

We also got to mingle with the snow dogs and finally, Kaija got to see her little Blue Penguin. (strike it off the bucket list).

Traveling on the highway north to Picton to catch a return ferry to Wellington, we drove many miles thru road reconstruction needed as a result of the devastating earthquake of 2014 which had demolished the highway from massive rock slides and upheavals. 

It was clearly evident as you looked east into the ocean where the seabed was now in full view having risen many meters above sea level.

We arrived back in Picton to catch the return ferry to the North Island and were delighted to see a caravan of Vintage cars enroute to a Antique road show on the North Island.  During our time in New Zealand we had seen many of these beautifully restored antique vehicles in perfect working order.

 The car directly behind us was a 1939  Chevy built in Regina for export to New Zealand...it was like new.

Our time on the south island had come to a close and we were not disappointed in any way other than not having enough time.

Boarding the back to the north island we had mixed emotions having reunited with friends that we may not see for some time...but our time was filled with laughter and new memories made and it was ALL GOOD.