Way down south in Southland * Sixtyexpress

New Zealand

Are you exhausted? We certainly have done lots of exercise today. First stop today was Nugget Point Lighthouse.

As you found out, it’s a bit of a hike.You wouldn’t want to be a lighthouse keeper in the old days going to check the light in the middle of winter. Today was fine but the wind was blowing and I was glad there were shrubs along the way to break it.The view was spectacular and worth the effort. There were poems along the way to draw attention to the surrounds.

You did well….2 km, just a quiet rest in the car till we reach the Purakaunui Falls.The views on the way were beautiful…..sea and fields.

Now you must admit the walk to the falls was short.

More coastal views of the ocean. Tautuku Beach has seen Māori fishermen, whalers, farmers and now holiday makers.

Next stop is the Cathedral Caves. Now this is a bit of a hike. It is definitely worth the effort. A twenty minute walk down a steep slippery path through the rainforest…..thinking all the time ‘how will I get up here again ‘. Then a trek across a desert oops I mean the beach…..and then the caves themselves. You can only visit at low tide but they are huge. See for yourself!

Struggle , struggle slowly up the hill……nearly there. Hurrah. We made it. From here let’s go see the Petrified trees at Curio Bay. Oh dear , they heard we were coming and they have hidden ………only rock platforms and rock pools.
Two more stops and then the hotel. First, Slope Point. This is the Southern most point of the South Island. It is in a farmer’s field and the walk comes with all sorts of warnings about stock , farm equipment , muddy paths and unfenced cliffs. We survived. Last stop of the day before Invercargill is Bluff. Famous for its oysters. No we didn’t eat any as they are not in season. It does have some beautiful murals and at Stirling Point there is also a post indicating how far south you are. I will let you decide who wins at being the most south.