Friday rain!!

The first wet and rainy day since we arrived! It wasn't too bad when we got up, but the rain soon set in and hasn't stopped all day.

This was our freedom camp last night, an isolated spot on the Pacific Ocean coast south of Oamaru. Not a sound at night, and we woke up to see a rabbit and birds right outside the van.

This was one of the birds. I'm going to have to start looking up NZ birds soon.

 

After a light breakfast we set off for Moeraki and the boulders.

These strange round boulders on the sea shore are a major tourist attraction, and have a grey exterior surrounding a central core of carbonate of lime crystals. They used to be hidden in the mudstone cliffs, but have gradually fallen out due to erosion.

The outer surface on some of the boulders has worn away so you can see the inner structure, and some of the boulders have broken into smaller pieces.

They sit in the sand at mid tide level, and proved irresistible to some for climbing. Despite the hype, and the large numbers of people there (even fairly early on a rainy morning), the boulders were fascinating and well worth a look.

Next stop was Dunedin, a town founded in the mid 1800s by Scots. It's probably a very nice town on sunny days, and was even very interesting when we were getting soaked trying to have a look around. One of the founding fathers was a Rev. Burns, the nephew of the famous Robert Burns!

We're in another free campsite, but this one is a bit different. It's near the centre of town, next to the Oval cricket ground, and is basically an extension of the pub car park. Only three vans allowed at any one time, and only for a maximum of two nights. We're planning a trip to the Otago peninsular tomorrow, then are back in Dunedin on Sunday for a trip on the railway.

As it was so wet we decided to visit the newly refurbished Otago Settlers museum. A good choice, one of the best museums's we have ever visited. Lots of information, very well displayed, and lovely helpful staff. It was even free!

I had a chance to dress up in a costume as would be worn by one of the first settlers in the area, whilst Mick got to try sitting on an ordinary bike, known to us as a penny-farthing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We had planned a tour of the Speight brewery, but when asking a local resident for directions, got recommended to visit a local bar and try a pint of Emmersons instead. As this was our second recommendation for this brew we followed his advice, and I enjoyed a pint of 1812, while Mick had a pint of London Porter. Next stop was the Best Cafe for local fish and chips, then a bus ride back to the van. There wasn't actually a bus stop there, but that didn't deter the driver from dropping us off nice and close.

It's going to be an early night tonight, with all windows closed to keep out the sounds of the traffic! Very different from last night, but still good!!

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