Southland and the Hippie Tinker Museum

26/27/01/2017

We visit Nugget Point and Roaring Bay at dusk to observe the Yellow-Eyed Penguin. Three specimens frolic on the beach and entertain their spectators. The observation is carried out from a hut about 10 m away from the beach to avoid disturbing the animals.

The next morning it is raining and we visit 'The Lost Gypsy Caravan', a kind of museum in an old camper van. The owner's handicrafts are exhibited there (crazy art is built from rubbish and scrap).

Just as we leave the camper van, the sun comes out and we drive to Curio Bay. On the way there, we make a detour to McLean Falls. Curio Bay is known for having the best chances of observing the Hector dolphins. We lie in wait for two hours, but unfortunately without success.

As it starts to rain again, we decide to drive a bit towards Fjordland and end up at a free campground in Lamsden. In the middle of the city around an old train station/bus stop, with everything a backpacker needs (toilet, sink, running water).