Now Jason really, really wants to retire here. And I don't blame him. There's nothing that's not pretty about this place. Even the ugly parts are pretty. Dunedin (pronounced with the long e sound)was unbelievable! As all New Zealand seems to be, it's very hilly. Made me think of San Fransisco...not that I've ever been.
We started the day off with the drive in from Timaru, arriving sometime around lunch. The holiday park where we stayed was very nice with a great kid's play area and heated pool, so that made the munchkins happy. We then went trekking around town in search of stuff. Fortunately for you, the batteries for our camera weren't charged so we were only able to get a few pictures. Otherwise this batch would have been just too much. It also means we missed a few good shots.
Pictured are the Railway Station, Cadbury World and the bar where we ate lunch. We were going to do a late tour of the brewery and dinner at The Ale House but decided we were too tired. Of course the kids loved Cadbury World. Just one big chocolate-fest. The girl running the tour gave extra candy bars to each person in the group who asked a question. It didn't take long for our kids to catch on. Jason and I didn't think we would ever make it out of there.
Check out these fashion statements:
This morning we got up and drove the Otaga Peninsula out to the edge of nowhere. There we took a tour with Natures Wonders on an eight wheel ATV.
We got some great shots of seals, birds and the sea. We were able to see some endangered Yellow Eyed Penguins but they were too far away to take pics. Our tour guide was one of the family owners who have been doing this for generations. They are working to fence in their 500+ acres of land to maintain a predator free zone for all of the wildlife. It was stunning and so far the most enjoyable thing we've done.
Next came Larnach Castle, also on the Peninsula.
Beautiful but the inside is museum-like. Made it a little tougher with the kids.
Then we drove 4 1/2 hours to Queenstown. Here's what it looked like on part of the drive.
We finally made it to the campsite after a treacherous drive on Gorge Road. A name that's perfect for the crazy ass road we had to travel to get here...in the rain...in the dark. What is it with this country's love of one-lane roads that hang off the side of mountains? It's been raining all day so the grounds are soaked and squishy. Jason says we get to sleep in tomorrow. Woo-hoo! Mr. Timekeeper has had us going full out this entire trip! But that's ok, we love him and we've had fun.
Will write more tomorrow. Got a 24 hour internet account!
By the way, just got through eating 2 of these
Perky Nanas. New Zealand banana candy bars. Angie's new favorite food. But the correct name would have been "Perky Naners". It's a southern thing.
Lindy, I'm gonna send you a box. You'll love these things.
No longer Bertha Bad Belly.
Love to all,
Nana (Naner) Girl
2 comments:
Hi Guys- so sorry haven't been writing - but I did just catch up on your blog. Trip must be awesome - place looks beautiful. Pats lost to Miami 38-13 so I can'really even think , nevermind compose a note!! Well, glad you're having fun. Luv, Mare
Angie,
Glad you guys are enjoying your trip. Hope you all have gotten over the seasickness. We got Brady's thank you note today. How is your knee? Dixie is doing find, just spoiled rotten. She likes animal crackers. Kiss the kids for us. Love, Dad
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