Whizzing through the Catlins
December 27, 2016Packed up early as rain was forecast to arrive at 7am. Charged up our devices at Hill View while having breakfast and before setting off. Dropped by the three waterfalls as planned; they were disappointing enough to make us give up on Curio & Porpoise Bay (and subsequently we abandoned our plans in the Catlins altogether). Perhaps it was because we had just seen very impressive and dramatic landscapes on the Routeburn; the Southern Scenic Route felt boring to us having just started on it for two days. The saving grace was there were a few quirky and interesting places along the way such as the Teapot Land in Owaka and the Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai.
This private collection of teapots was started by an individual more than 10 years ago.
Thousands of teapots are displayed all over his garden by the road. The owner changes the display from time to time.
Located at 21 Main Road
Purakaunui Falls
Matai & Horseshoe Falls
The man behind the Lost Gypsy Gallery - an interesting display of moving mechanical devices whizzing around in a bus all created and made by Blair Somerville.
Florence Hill Lookout
Of the the three falls we visited today, the McLean Falls was the most interesting and impressive. It's split into two sections and allows visitors to get up close to the gushing water.
McLean Falls (lower)
McLean Falls (upper)
By this time we have decided to ditch all plans in the Catlins and drove all the way to Invercargill, stopping at Waikawa for fish & chips; the drive felt so long and sleepy. Shopping at Kathmandu and Macpac woke us up; we each bought a pair of hiking pants at Kathmandu yay!
Waikawa Museum in a restored school building
Settled down at Invercargill Top 10 Holiday Park
The facilities were relatively new and better than average - worth the $28 CamperMate app deal.
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