2.12.18 Dunnedin - Central Otago

Early in the morning we are woken up beautifully by the birds at the edge of the forest. We pack up early. On the Otago Peninsula, we want to take a walk along a beach. The weather is cloudy in the morning and as we arrive on the island, we are enveloped in thick fog and the access to the starting point of the walk is very adventurous. The path leads us via a large sand dune to a large bay, and despite the overcast sky, the water is almost turquoise. We march along the completely lonely beach, and there are some pieces of wood lying around, we think. But up close, we see that these pieces of wood are alive, majestic sea lions are lying there. I immediately want to turn around, but we observe these impressive animals from a safe distance and discover at least 6 of them by the end of the bay. Wowww.

After breakfast, which has now given us an appetite, we return to the mainland. We take a short hike along a beautiful beach, I go barefoot, and at the end of the hour-long hike, I can hardly feel my toes anymore, the water is so cold. But here, people are surfing in the water, of course with wetsuits. However, we now take the return journey inland.

But it continues, we leave the coastal region and head towards Central Otago. More than 20 years ago, an old railway line was converted into a 150km long cycle path here, called Central Otago Railway. We will explore a part of it tomorrow, but for now, we travel through hills, flocks of sheep, and cows. We make a short stop in two small villages, little sleepy nests. But the second one has a great cafe. And then, thanks to our app, we head towards a freedom camping site, which means camping without a fee, practically wild camping. And what we encounter is simply unique, a mowed large meadow, another camper van, and only us. And it's right next to the cycle path, so we can look forward to tomorrow. In glorious sunshine, we enjoy the evening out of nowhere with delicious burgers.