We travelled to Invercargill today from Dunedin. On the way we visited part of the Catlins area on the Southern highway.

First stop was Kaka Point. The sand was white and gritty, full of the tiniest stones shells and driftwood. Lots of long seaweed and vegetation were washed up too. There is a strong current here and too dangerous to swim. The surf was pounding on the beach. it was totally unspoilt and very few people around.

The road lead onto Nugget point Lighthouse. When we came here 3 years ago. it had a gravel road and was very scary to drive on. We only went so far and turned round.

BUT this time the road was tarmacked and there was a car park and a path to walk along to the lighthouse. The walk was so pretty with views both sides when we got nearer to the lighthouse. There were a few jutting out rocks beyond the cliffs and the lighthouse was strategically placed to guard ships from danger.

 

There was a colony of spoonbills on one area of rocks and I also photoed a beautiful butterfly.

Next stop and long, long, walk too…. was to Jacks Blow Hole. It was quite a steep slog up the cliffs and down through 2 bays, then inland to find the huge chasm. It was low tide and so sadly no spout of water to see, but the force of the waves through the tunnels was so terrific.

We are now at Invercargill in a studio apartment with kitchen bathroom lounge and bedroom, luxury xxx

Lots to see in the Catlins tomorrow