Day 13 - Dunedin

... this is how Dunedin is pronounced, one of the larger cities on the South Island and one of our stops for today.

Before our arrival there, we had a sightseeing spot to visit along the way. So, we (once again) stopped at a beautiful peaceful beach on the Pacific. There, we wanted to see some stones. Round stones, to be exact.

The Moeraki Boulders

These stones are a few million years old and come from the sea (or thereabouts). In any case, they look quite interesting and above all very unnatural, as they are actually very round.

The stones are sometimes individually lying around on the beach, but sometimes also in whole clusters and can be admired, climbed on and photographed (they are very photogenic in good light).

After we had enjoyed the stones, the beautiful beach, and the sight of the sun reflecting in the water, we continued driving south. Dunedin was waiting for us. With all its cultural sites such as the Otago Settlers Museum, the Chinese Garden, and its churches.

On the way to Dunedin, the weather became brighter, the sky bluer and cloudless. Just in time for our arrival, the sun was shining and there were only a few clouds to be seen. So off to the most photographed building in the country.

Immediately after we had thoroughly enjoyed this sight, we went on to the Otago Settlers Museum, where the history of Dunedin and the immigrants of this region is narrated. Part of this exhibition are whole walls of pictures with names and descriptions of the settlers of that time.

As if it were tailor-made for our own itinerary, the exit at the end of the exhibition led us directly to the Chinese Gardens, which we wanted to visit next. We even treated ourselves to the $9 admission fee for this. And thanks to the great weather, the garden could shine in all its splendor.

The last stop in Dunedin was the First Church of Otago. One of the oldest churches in this area and a beautiful building that exhibits the typical features of Gothic architecture.

After visiting the church, our time in Dunedin was coming to an end. The parking ticket was about to expire. So off to the car and back on the road. The next stop was (once again) a waterfall that was on our way to Invercargill, our sleeping place for tonight.

After unexpectedly beautiful weather in Dunedin, the weather became worse on our journey. It started to rain, then it stormed, then there was a storm and rain, and then the sun came out again. Aside from snow, we were able to fully enjoy the entire range of New Zealand weather in just one day. And the combination of sun, wind, and rain rewarded us with a phenomenon that you don't see every day. Many rainbows and even two right on top of each other.

We also realized that the island has beautiful things to offer even in less good weather.

We then reached the planned waterfall shortly afterwards. And after it had been dry on the road just before, it of course started raining again here, where we wanted to take a short hike. But it had probably been raining all day, because the hiking trail was closed.

So, off to Invercargill, check-in, write the blog, plan the next few days, etc. Just the usual evening madness.

Since today, apart from the small detour to the stones and Dunedin, we were on the road all day, there is nothing else to report. But unless our planned activities in the next few days are canceled due to the weather, there will soon be a lot more to tell!

We are definitely looking forward to it...