Sounds like a wise choice, leaving the Catlins until the weather improves. It's already looking a little better. It seems the West Coast bear the brunt of this storm.

50 years since you've been to Dunedin! That must have been when you stayed in Karitane as a child. Funny how you and DH couldn't find the city center 41 years ago. The city was surely a lot smaller. There's no chance of missing it now.

I'm glad you made it Toitu. They've done a great job of making the past come to life. You probably would have found the Southern Land, Southern People gallery at the Otago Museum interesting as well, though the exhibitions are more traditionally presented than those at Toitu.

Putting aside its dark history, I love Aramoana, such a pretty spot, especially as low tide. It complements your visit to Taiaroa Head, as you got to see the albatross colony from the other side! Were the white fronted terns still nesting at the end of the Mole? Usually, there are fur seals here as well and sometimes you can see Little Blue Penguins swimming in the water. Aramoana's Big Beach is a favorite with local surfers. The narrow and winding road to Aramoana can be a bit of challenge, but it's a pretty drive.
There's a walking track, the Heyward Point Track, that starts near the Aramoana Domain and climbs up to the cliffs above the beach.


I hope you have a fun a dry time for the rest of your trip!

Crellston we followed your recommendation and stayed at the Pounawea Motor camp. What a great place, we originally booked for two nights, but have added an extra night. the birdsong not just in the morning and evening but all day, is wonderful, as are the walks through the native bush and estuary from the campground. We saw a sea-lion, a highlight of my trip, as we walked along Surat Bay this morning and didn't see one, and then this afternoon there was one not far from the camp. it's also close to Nugget Point, and Purakaunui Falls, not too far from Cathedral Caves, all of which we visited yesterday.

Taken on our walk from the camping ground this afternoon.

Beautiful morepork! Sweet little fantail, too. And a female sea lion. Great photos.

nelsonian -

I'm enjoying reading along as you discover your backyard. Have to admit that it's making me 'homesick' for NZ though. Enjoy!

Last morning at Pounawea camping ground.

Back home now after travelling 3789 kms!! We wanted to go home via the Haast Pass but unfortunately the bridge washed away just before Franz Josef. This will have to be another trip maybe towards the end of the year. We instead took the route through the middle, Alexandra (with side trips to Queenstown and Arrowtown), Lake Tekapo, Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Nelson.

By the way March was a great time of year to visit the Catlins. Not a lot of traffic, good weather for the most part, didn't experience any bad driving, didn't need to book the camping grounds, except for Lake Tekapo which I did the day before as I wanted a lake view.

Nelsonian, I was wondering if you'd made it home yet. So when's your next trip to the Catlins? I enjoyed following along.
I agree, March is great time for the Catlins. Our trips to the Catlins have always been in March. Not as crowded as February, not as cold as April.