“The best kept secret” or “the hidden gem”, that’s what the Catlins are referred to as. And of course I wanted to check it out. There was only one problem. Being a solo-traveller in New Zealand without a driver’s licence sometimes becomes a problem as there are many places where it’s close to impossible to get to without own means of transportation.
But I was in luck. On Stewart Island I met a guy going up to Dunedin and he didn’t mind taking the longer scenic route through the Catlins. So I did get to go!
This is the route to see wild cliffs, beautiful waterfalls and great caves. Unfortunately the last part we had to skip – the Cathedral Caves were closed due to the weather. We decided to break the drive up into two days to get the most out of it.
Waipapa Point
A bird meeting at Waipapa Point
Petrified forest at Curio Bay
Petrified tree at Curio Bay
Slope Point
Matai Falls
Purakaunui Falls
Nugget Point
By the end of the 2 days, though, I have to admit I was fed up. Not with the scenery but with the guy I was going with. Some times you’re in very good luck and get a long great with a stranger. But sometimes that’s not the case and by the end I was very happy to say goodbye. And I’m sure it was mutual.
New Zealand, is tops on me and my wife’s list of places we want to visit. Great scenic pics.
Posted by schmittyisms | 08/05/2012, 20:30I’m glad you put it on your list and I hope you’ll have a great time there when you do go. It’s a beautiful place!
Posted by Malene | 19/05/2012, 16:15Wow, great photos. New Zealand seems like it has such unique scenery!
Posted by Christina | 08/05/2012, 20:54Perfect….
Posted by Bo Goersch | 11/05/2012, 17:53