We set off from Te Anau early this morning, taking the Southern Scenic Route along the Southern Alps to Manapouri.
Our first stop was Redcliff – Rahatu Wetlands, where we walked to a lookout perched high above the restored wetlands, offering great views of the Waiau River and Fjordlands beyond.
The journey today took us through flat lush green farmland, which was brimming full with sheep and cattle. We stopped for a look at the Clifden Suspension Bridge, opened in 1899 to replace the punt used by the early sheep stations.
Whilst sipping a mug of hot chocolate in the van we were reminded of the huge sheep population in this area, when hundreds of sheep were herded alongside our van.
When we arrived at McCracken’s Rest viewpoint, we got our first real look at the rugged south coast.
We passed by a beach famous for yielding a steady supply of precious gemstones. As we walked down to the beach we saw a few die-hard beachcombers trawling through the piles of stones in the sand.
We drove through the small town of Orepuki, famous for it’s windswept trees (above right).
Next stop was Colac Bay, where as the life size surfer on entry to town proclaims, this is a good spot to hit the waves! We decided instead to marvel at the amazingly decorated bus stops!!
Lunch today was at a small town on the coast called Riverton, after which we drove out to Bluff – NZ’s answer to Land’s End, and also it’s oldest European town! We felt quite triumphant as we stood under the iconic sign at Stirling Point, knowing that we had driven the length of the country – Cape Reinga to Bluff!
We also chuckled at the fact that if we had driven straight from Cape Reinga to Bluff we would have travelled 1401kms…instead our milometer had just told us we have done 5000kms (3107 miles) since getting the van!
We drove up to Bluff Hill/Motupohue lookout, where we admired the great panoramic views of Southland, Foveaux Strait and Stewart Island.
Back down in town our search for the famous Bluff Oyster was in vain, so we settled instead for a walk around the Maritime Museum. It was a fascinating place, where we got to explore a retired Oyster Boat.
They had great displays on the development of Bluff’s Oyster, Whaling and Muttonbirding, and the maritime history of this region.
To all you Navy Club members (you know who you are!), the displays on the NZ Navy were great…it looked just like the inside of Waterlooville Navy Club!!
Tonight we are stopping in Invercargill before starting the 2nd leg of the Southern Scenic Route tomorrow.
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