[Kaka Point, New Zealand] There was a ‘berg’ wind last night. Our first warm night meant we could sleep without our beanies. The morning was dead calm, overcast and warm but it didn’t last long. The mission for the day was to explore the Otago Peninsula before heading south again. We drove to the top of the peninsula to see Lanarch Castle (the only castle in New Zealand) but turned around at the gate when we saw the entry fee just to get into the grounds. Ridiculous.

Back on the coastal route we went as far as the road would take us, Taiaroa head and the Royal Albatross Centre (again too expensive for us). We took a short walk in the now gale force and freezing winds to the view point. A great view of the sea cliffs, light house and tonnes of kelp in the water would have been better if it wasn’t so windy. The fields around here are full of cute bunnies – another pest that was introduced and has caused havoc.

Crossing the peninsula and a few more gravel roads got us to the deserted (probably because of the weather) Allan’s beach. Once over the farm fence we were joined by a little black pig. He (or she) wouldn’t leave us alone and followed us all the way down the trail to the beach. We were on the beach to see some sea lions but the beach, although beautiful, was empty. V spotted a moving ‘rock’ in the distance and we took a walk with piggie still on our heels. We were able to get up reasonably close to three large sea lions that were just chilling on the beach. Sweet. They looked very relaxed and were not bothered by us at all. Back at the van we fed piggie a peach and made our escape as two surfers (yes, in that cold water) arrived.

Next on the list was Sandfly Bay and the possibility of more sea lions. As we arrived it started raining so we decided to skip the 80 minute round trip walk to the beach. I guess we should mention sandflies. They are the pest to fear here (much worse than a mozzie) but so far we have only seen a couple. Apparently there are a lot more on the west coast. I’m nervous already.

That was it for Dunedin and the peninsula. We headed straight out onto the Southern Scenic Route (which for some odd reason leads you out of town through a bunch of boring suburbs). The weather wasn’t really helping but at least we got an entire beach to ourselves for lunch near Brighton.

The route kinks inland for a while through more farmland and forests and then rejoins the coast. By 3pm we were both feeling tired and had had enough of the bad weather so we pulled into a campsite at Kaka Point. A sign on the office door stated ‘Back later. Find a campsite and settle up in the morning’. No argument from us. We found a great little nook in the trees, perfect for an afternoon nap. Here’s hoping the weather clears tomorrow.

[Pictures: Simmie in the middle – with piggie and sea lion. Lonely sea lion chilling on the beach. Lunch view with a beach to ourselves]

– Posted from my iPhone via 3G