The Catlins

Today we followed "The Southern Scenic Route" from Dunedin to Invercargill.

Before we left Dunedin, we had to check out Baldwin St. which is the steepest street in the world.

We walked to the top and yes, it is steep. My iPhone app measured 26 degrees! A good walk to warm up for the morning.

Made it to the top!

We left Dunedin and followed a scenic byway that took us by some waterfalls that were reached by some short walks. The first one was Purakaunui Falls.

A nice walk in the forest to get there.

A short drive later we were at Matai Falls which had two stages. The upper "horseshoe falls"....

and the lower Matai Falls.

Next up was Tautuku Bay with some great surf....

The drive through the Catlins is a mix of native forests, high coastal cliffs and golden beaches with the inland areas of rolling countryside covered by sheep. I think the most sheep I have seen in a single day since we have been here!

We stopped at the cliffs at Curo Bay to watch the Southern Ocean smash into the rugged shore.

We ended our day in Invercargill at a nice motel where we had a one bedroom apartment. A little older but very nice.

For the next week we are going to be in the Te Anau and Queenstown area where shopping for food is somewhat limited so we were advised to stock up while we were here. Off to the grocery store to get some breakfast / lunch food and a couple of backup meals. We had trouble finding any beer or wine in the supermarket and enquired at the checkout. We were directed to a store down the street. Wow, it looked like one of the Florida superstores!

Not. Apparently, the city council has banned alcohol sales in stores other than those franchised by the city council which provide a direct kick back to the city. Prices were slightly higher than the LCBO and a good 40% higher than we had been paying everywhere else. $15 for a six pack of beer. How is this good for the consumer?

We went out to supper at a restaurant recommended by the motel owner and were not disappointed. A reasonable price, a nice restaurant and good service (and a free drink).