Day 63 to 67 - the Catlins

The Catlins - rugged coastline, beaches, lots of wind and animal experiences.

Our journey began at Monkey Beach, with self-collected mussel dinner for Basti and great views for Pauline. The only larger town (Invercargill) was like most here only moderately attractive, but surprised with its beautiful park and many animal residents, including a 150-year-old tuatara.

The next day we went to Waipapa Lighthouse with a walk on the pebble beach, which turned out to be a mini reef at low tide, where Pauline's elbow fell victim to an inattentive owner and a wet slippery stone (ouch). We then went to Waipohatu waterfall, which Basti (this time alone because his elbow hurts) was able to admire while eating a peanut butter sandwich. Reunited again, we reached Slope Point, the southernmost point of the New Zealand mainland, through green sheep meadows. In the twilight, we spent about 2 hours in a petrified forest from prehistoric times and witnessed the changing of the guard of the rare yellow-eyed penguins (~260 breeding pairs) - also called Hoiho (New Zealand for yeller).

The next day started with the McLean Falls, followed by the Cathedral Coves, a deep tunnel in the sandstone cliffs, where an unexpected wave took hold of Pauline's rubber boots.

On the following day - gravel road day - New Zealand's roads showed themselves in their best way (not really). We drove to Purakanui Falls, the unofficial symbol of the Catlins, but it only impressed us moderately (little rain and spoiled by Fjordland). We spent the afternoon at Surat Bay and Cannibal Bay. Two beautiful bays with many sea lions lying in the sun on the beach. Among them was also a female in labor and two fighting sea lions weighing about 400kg... also a belligerent shorebird defending its nest against us (: .

On the last day in the Catlins, we were at the incredibly impressive Nugget Point. A lighthouse overlooking arches and rock formations in the sea. And in the middle, a seal colony with a baby swimming school in a small pool. One of our favorite places! We spent the rest of the day on the beach and at the campsite.

What days... We really liked the Catlins.