Southland Museum

Invercargill has penguins walking the streets in the winter.

I have heard this therefore it must be true.

To find out some more interesting facts to be had about the area, I’ve taken some time out to visit the Southland Museum.

There are some nice displays on Maori art. And other bits and pieces that indicate Maori efficiency at catching fish.

Here are some Maori clubs.

Maori clubs, Southland Museum, New ZealandMaori clubs, Southland Museum, New Zealand

The Maori used a full bodied thrusting action to gain maximum effect from these stubby clubs.

Sub-Antarctic islands

Upstairs at the museum is a exhibit by Greenpeace about the southern islands or the sub-Antarctic islands.

Windswept, cold, full of seagulls.

Fate
Each island tells a story of unlucky travellers after being thrashed upon the rocks, clambering up to face death or starvation or de-hydration under grotesque circumstances.
Whalers, sealers or seamen were forced to eat whelks, limpets anything they could get their hands on.

Differing explorers suffered different fates, which are documented.

One group made a go of it.
By the time they were picked up they had cultivated 2 hectares of potatoes and harvested 3,000 seal skins.

Southland Museum, New Zealand
Weblinks: Southland Museum

Kelvin Hotel – Invercargill

Petrol tank gauge is showing empty and I just make it into the Invercargill before the Hog starts spluttering.

Find this hotel. It’s called the Kelvin.

It’s cheap $104. When I go to the room, there are some French journalists broadcasting something from the lobby window using a laptop and a satellite phone.

Burn

When I look in the mirror I realise I have got a sunburnt face.

My hands are burnt as well.

Will have to remember sun cream for the long rides.

Broadband
The hotel has broadband so I can get some work done in the morning.

Weblinks: Kelvin Hotel – Invercargill

The road to Invercargill

Today I am going to journey southwards.

I plan to drop in on Duneden and Invercargill.

Dunedin

Have just driven through the town-centre.

It really isn’t worth getting off the bike.

Re-Fill
Stop a Micky-dees in the industrial estate for essential carbs.

The Southern Scenic route

This winds it’s way gently through the lowlands surrounding the south-east of New Zealands south island.

It’s free.

It passes through The Catlin National park Nature Reserve.

It runs from Dunedin right through to Invercargill taking in many impressive sights on the way.

Here’s some pictures I took along the way.

Southern Scenic Route, New ZealandSouthern Scenic Route, New Zealand

Southern Scenic Route, New ZealandSouthern Scenic Route, New Zealand

Southern Scenic Route, New Zealand

Purakaunui Falls.
A stopover point a couple of km’s of the main route on a dirt track.

It’s impressive because the falls are in a semi-tropical setting, canopy sub-canopy, Lyrebirds etc.

Purakaunui Falls, New Zealand

Tuatuku Beach
Like Harlech beach for length and spread, this one stretches for miles and you can get a great view from the headland.

Tuatuku Beach, New Zealand

Mclean Falls
Located slightly of the road.

Mclean Falls, New Zealand

After a tramp through the bushes, you are rewarded.

Youths were cooking noodles on the rocks at the base. One is obscuring the picture here.

Mclean Falls, New Zealand
Here’s a view from the 5km unmade road you need to travel down to reach the Mclean falls.

Mclean Falls, New Zealand

Cathedral Caves
Located on private land, you have to pay to get into this one.

Cathedral Caves, New Zealand

As you enter the gate keeper hut, they sell postcards of different views of the caves which are located on the shoreline.

Cathedral Caves, New Zealand

There is even one picture with a couple getting married.

Weblinks: Southern Scenic Route – New Zealand

Kiwi Birdlife Park

Another place which is worth a visit, is the Kiwi Bird Sactuary.

This has live Kiwi’s to watch in their natural habitat.

It has some interesting bits of natural wild-birdlife up-close, including walk-in aviaries, allowing the birds to grab hold of any attractive sundries you may have about your person.
Doesn’t happen often, but there is an amusing story about a missing lens cover on the audio-guide supplied when you walk in.

Visit @ 11am or 3pm to take advantage of the live Maouri show.

Here’s a few pictures.

Walk in Aviary, Kiwi Birdlife Park, QueenstownWalk in Aviary, Kiwi Birdlife Park, Queenstown

Some ducks hanging out.
Kiwi Birdlife Park, Queenstown, New ZealandKiwi Birdlife Park, Queenstown, New Zealand

Maouri Hut, Kiwi Birdlife Park, New ZealandKiwi Birdlife Park, New Zealand

A Maouri house before settlers arrived.

A whole Maouri family whould fit in one of these.
They used to sleep close to the floor so as to overwhelm attackers when they stooped down spearing them in the face.

Places to eat and drink in Queenstown

1. Threesixty
Chinese fusion food.
Located in the base of the CP.
Easily the best.
Well prepared, fresh, original meal with good wine and good service.

2. Avanti
Simple italian fayre.
Cheap.
Good service.

3. Luciano’s
The most expensive.
Starter was good (salmon & scallop with rocket salad).
Main was overcomplicated (fettucini with chicken and sun-dried tomato sauce).
The waitress tried to overcharge me on wine.