South Island Southland Region 2020 Lake Monowai to Bluff

Lake Monowai to Bluff

Southland Region South Island

New Zealand

2020

Lake Monowai

Yesterday we left Te Anau in the sunshine, and we had a lovely drive to Lake Monowai. The free Doc Camp there is under the shade of trees and more suitable for small motorhomes that don't rely on solar panels for power. (no internet)

We managed to find one spot in the sun so stayed the night, doing the short walk to the lookout after lunch. All the other walks are long hikes to huts.

The first three photos are of the view on the drive.

Clifden

Had a relaxing day, the temperature in the single digits but all good we managed a couple of short walks in between the sleet showers.

Staying tonight at The Clifden Suspension Bridge great free parking here.

We came to the bridge first and had lunch then decided to go for a drive in the sticks to visit the 1000-year-old Totara tree. The road is about 15km of gravel and the last 3km was Doc road with no passing and rugged, but if your tree huggers like us worth the trip.

Magnificent Totara with three sisters nearly as huge.

If it was fine it would be great to park where the gravel starts and get the bikes out, so much more to explore in here.

Papatotara

We drove to Blue Beach and further on to Waitutu Tracks, it was as far west as we could go with the motor home. After having morning coffee at the tracks car park we decided to carry on, the tracks were 6 hours long we should have done our homework. Too many hours for us but it was nice to get as far south and west as we could go.

Further down the road, we walked to the beach for the rustic view.

We then drove to the river mouth 3 km from the turn-off whitebait shanty town so cool. We had lunch watching the gulls.

Tuatapere

We stopped at Tuatapere scenic Reserve to do the short bushwalk, lots of Tui and we saw a baby Tui singing his heart out so cute.

Then on to McCrakens rest, lovely elevated view.

Next is Gemstone Beach and finally tonight's park at Monkey Island.

Tonights Park

Monkey Island sunset tonight

Makarewa

Tonight's park is at Makarewa Country Club for $5 per vehicle. Sheltered spot on a very windy day.

We drove from Monkey Island to Longhilly walk track. Enjoyed the walkthrough Chinese gold mine history and marvelled at what they achieved there until it was taken away but from what we gathered from the read along the way the Chinese we're the supremes in the end. 1- hour return.

Next Riverton Rocks walk, we found it hard going on the sand after the lookout along the next beach and back didn't see anything we couldn't see from the lookout. 1-hour return

Invercargill

Tonight's park

Invercargill

Classic Motorcycle Mecca

We had a full morning of eye candy, we were amazed at the display on here. Don’t visit Invercargill without taking in this history. We hear there is more to come so will be back.

Bill Richardson Transport World

What can we say other than mind-blowing, must-do, amazing!!!!!

We had a lovely mild day today in Invercargill, this is an all-weather treat starting with lunch in the cafe, then spending hours of entertainment at your leisure.

Amble On Inn Holiday Park

Treat time two nights in a Motor Camp in town free hot showers and washing done. 6km from the central city and we feel like we are in the country.

2 nights park

Look who visited us Scotty and Linda (Kiwis Flying the Coop) such an enjoyable catch-up, we find it's a small world out there. Could have talked all night.

We have learned so much from following your blog so happy to finally meet you.

Bluff

On the way from camp to Bluff we ventured off to Tiwai, I put down the window to take a photo of the smelter and wished I hadn't the smell stuck with me all morning.

Couldn't get a park at the point, but managed to get up the huge steep hill to the lookout at Bluff.

Invercargill

E Hayes Hardware

On the way out of town today we visited E Hayes Hardware-Home of the world's fastest Indian.

The story of Burt Munro the original rider of the fastest Indian motorcycle that inspired the movie starring Anthony Hopkins. Visit the motorcycle on display in-store along with over 100 unique exhibits. Entry is free during business hours.

Tonight's stay is in Gore at the A&P Show Grounds($10 non-power $15 power) it's been raining all day so happy to vegetate this arvo.

Gore

Last day today in the southland region. Spent the morning in Gore public gardens, then lunch at the Dolamore park before walking the loop and lookout tracks 1-hour return 3.1kms.

Tonight's stay is in Balclutha (free parking)

We have skipped the Catlins this year and will do them next year when we return.