I started off with the brewery tour of speights XXX Beer. The guide was a good laugh. They don't export it now and have been bought up by stella and teh other big brewng companies. Seeng the process was interesting but the beer tasting after wards was excellent.
After that I went on another train journey. I bumped into the father and son who were on the brewery tour and the french girl I had met on Nature's Wonders tour at the otago pennsular.
There were some greta sights of the gorge and via ducts that you wouldn't believe but the scenery wasn't quite as breathtaking as the transalpine. Not far off though!
Not as friendlier people on this trip so on the way back had a carriage to myself although joe the tour guide who is in his 50's and on a cholesteral diet was great to talk to.
After that I headed down on highway one in the camper to invacargil.Invacargil is not much to see so I basically locked my door shut and went to sleep. Yes teh only camp sight in town is that kind of place folks. Lets just add it acts as a truck stop as well, with pub!
Next day was up early and off agian. I was heading on the coastal road to te anu along teh scenic highway. It was a beautiful drive and I stopped at lost of places along the way.
First port of call was bluff. They don't call it the kiwi lands end for nothing. Industrial type of area and fishing village at the same time. Famous for its bluff oysters. I can't have those as react badly. Or wont chance it in case i do.
After looking out to stewart island I headed off. Should have done stewart island as its suppossed to be so beautiful. Wil lsave that till next time.
Stopped at riverton which was another beautiful coatsal village. Very quaint and known as the kiwi riviera because of its beaches. Not wrong there it was lovely.
Monkey island, beautful beach with lots of drift wood. Local kiwi was collecting it and telling me it keeps him fit at 70 years plus. Then off again stopping at teautepere. Not much there but a good cup of coffee. Bought gas then went off again stopping at one coastal town after another. Stopped at a suspension bridge and went along this very narrow windy gravel track to a lake in the south fjord lands called hauroko something. It was a beautiful trail and never eneding. At first through grass land then forest. Next you got to the end of the trailk where they had cars parked with boat trailers and a set of trees. Beyond the trees was a vast lake with sandy beaches and snow caped mountains in the background. it was beautiful. Got to te anu about 6ish and booked some trips up. Nice camp site in a beautiful lake side location.
Can't say much about the evenings as its shower, cooking and bed. Same every night but I may change the order of things to make it more fun! Very different from the backpackers or bus tours.
Posted by alexd at August 3, 2004 10:16 AMhey there honey...awesome to hear that you're in this fair and wonderful country.... have a great trip and I'm sure as hell looking forward to seeing you in Auckland - so come stay aboard White Wings and we'll have some fun. We're going snowboarding/skiing every other weekend down at Mt Ruapehu so if it coincides when you're up here you'll have to come and frolic in the snow with us, and laugh your head off as I can do some spectacular stacks!
Love
Kirrily x
Hey sorry it's been so long.. been havin a hectic time.
we're still in the land of the living. we're stll thinking of you.
Glad to see your havin an amazing time.
love n hugs from us
Hi Alex,
Just sitting here in the cold of Wellington looking thru our holiday stuff. Found your web address and thought I'd check in and see where you are. If you get to Welly, drop us a line, there are a few good Irish bars here!
Luv Olivia & Vinnie
(Chiang Mai Khantoke dinner people!)