South Island Otago Region 2021 Oamaru to Balclutha
We had a good drive from Oamaru to Dunedin it's beautiful weather here with just a cool nip in the wind. The Otago Peninsula scenic drive from the city has lovely views out over the water we haven't been out here before so a nice surprise.
Staying two nights at Portobello tourist park, tomorrow we have booked the Albatross Tour and Larnach Castle the day after.
Royal Albatross Centre
Viewing the albatross is behind a one-way glass system to reduce our disturbance on the albatross.
Not much wind so there could be a chance we don't see any Albatross in flight, but our luck was in and we had one Albatross showing off doing laps around the viewing room.
Afterward, we went to see the Fort Taiaroa tunnels and guns.
When we came back to the car park we must have had at least 20 seagulls on the roof.
The back road over to Larnach Castle was hair raising with beautiful views. We enjoyed the castle and gardens, marveling at the extent of work being done to keep it looking great.
On the way to Dunedin city we stopped and walked the steep track to the soldier's monument.
By 1.30 pm the NZMCA Park in Dunedin was full we only wanted to do a few walks this time here, so moved on to freedom camp just out of Mosgiel.
Brighton
This morning we had a short drive to the river mouth then spent over three hours return 9km walking the Taieri River Track. We only did half the track and hope to do the other half tomorrow when we drive around to the other end. Although I found the walk difficult because of lots of uphill climbing, Frog managed the walk fine being very patient with me stopping to catch my breath.
Waihola
From Dunedin 40kms to Waihola; but we have taken the roundabout way to get here.
Today we finished the Millennium Taieri River Track in just under 2 hours to do the 7 km return. Today's half of the track was a pleasant change from yesterday's effort a couple of good climbs to get the heart pumping but we were able to keep a good pace.
Tonight's park Lake Waihola Holiday Park, close to the Millennium Taieri River Track.
It also houses a display of whale and dolphin fossils that were found in the nearby lime quarries, and are 24–34 million years old.
Also on display is the pictorial history of the lime and phosphate working in the area.
Distance from Milton: 9kms northeast.
Location: Lakeside Road, 14.5km east of Balclutha. We couldn't find where the start was so asked a farmer, then headed out on the bikes.
There are heaps of birds to see but the track is overgrown and not that suitable for cycling as we ended up with punches on both bikes and had to walk the last 7kms.
