We said farewell to Te Anau (well not really, that would be just strange), and set off for Invercargill. On the way, we saw countless rainbows as the sun finally managed to penetrate the clouds. The resulting question of, "Is that the same rainbow as before?" got just a smidgen irritating as the day wore on.
The scenery very much conveyed the remoteness of this part of New Zealand. At one point, we saw one of the white aluminium road-side posts contorting like one of those 'dancing Coke cans' from the 80s, purely from the fierce cross-wind.
On a whim, we detoured and visited an old suspension bridge at the township of Cliffden (ie 3 houses located near each other) that used to be part of the main road. It was primarily an excuse to have our morning tea and to allow the kids to stretch their legs. I was staring off into middle-distance, munching on a sultana scone (a great look I would imagine) when I realised we had parked next to a tree that was covered in wasps. Spluttering crumbs everywhere, we took our leave at that point.
I'm not sure what I was expecting visually as we approached the south coast, but I was a little surprised to see brilliant green pastureland (complete with grazing Friesians) right to the waters edge. The local conifers took on a radically wind-swept look from the constant wind coming off the ocean.
Hamish performed a spontaneous homage to Michael Jackson on a low-lying table at the McCrackens Rest lookout. The British couple in their motor home (making cucumber sandwiches presumably) did not appear impressed.
Many of the travel guides, and even some New Zealanders themselves have fairly consistently poked fun at Invercargill - so we were bracing ourselves for the worst. While waiting for the obligatory 2pm check-in, we visited Queens Park. The place was huge. With the sun once again gracing us with its presence, we were able to have a good look around.
There were avenues of trees, with leaves of all red, gold and brown. There were manicured rose gardens, thick with scent. There were extensive duck ponds, complete with little stone bridges. Oh yes, and there was a person walking their sheep... You crazy New Zealanders.
One section of the Park was devoted to an impressive childrens playground. We spent quite a bit of time there, with the Martin children making friends left, right and centre (whether the local kids wanted this was anyones guess).
Our rooms were very nice indeed, and we managed to get a local restaurant to deliver our meals for free. Lily insisted on this photo making the cut today, so here it is..Tomorrow sees us cross the waters to Stuart Island, where we may get to see some native birdlife.
