2014 New Zealand Caravan Trip: 03 Omarama - Oamaru - Dunedin – Invercargill

"Danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short. But in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark..." - Michelangelo

(Iconic signpost at southernmost point)

Day 3: Sunday, 9 November 2014
Route: Omarama - Oamaru - Dunedin – Invercargill

We started a little late this morning after having a good heavy breakfast of toasts and scrambled eggs.

We drove towards Oamaru passing through Otematata, Kurow, Duntroon, Altavady and a few other small towns before we entered Motorway 1. By 11:30hrs we reached Oamaru. It is also known as the Penguin Capital of New Zealand situated on the edge of a pretty Victorian harbour.

(Driving on a quiet road)

(Taking a detour to Oamaru before driving to Dunedin)

(The town of Oamaru, the Penguin Capital)

We drove around town before we visited the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony. Here visitors have the opportunity to view the blue penguins, the world’s smallest, one hour before dusk every night or one can opt for behind the scene tour any time of the day. This area is also visited by sea lions, although rare and threatened, they are not afraid of humans.

(Visitor Centre at Blue Penguin Colony)

(Beware of penguins crossing the road)

(Kayaking around the calm water)

After buying some souvenirs, we parked the caravan at the Harbour Tourist Park overlooking Oamaru Harbour Heritage, a man-made water barrier to tame the sea and create a calm water port. We had a hot cup of coffee while watching the busy activities around us.

(Rugged coastal lines)

(Long and winding road)

We drove to Dunedin through the coastal road, 150 km south of Oamaru. The coastline between Oamaru and Dunedine offers long beaches and uninterrupted ocean views and rolling farmland with many charming small towns along the highway.

(Interesting mural on the wall)

(A church in the middle of the city)

When we arrived in Dunedin most of the shops in town were closed as it was a Sunday but we managed to buy provision at a Philippines Grocer. Dunedin is said to be the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian heritage city in the southern hemisphere. Using the GPS we tried to look for a mosque situated in Mosglel but could not locate the place.

(Taking the motorway to Dunedin)

(Vast rolling grassland)

(The town of Gore, famous for its trout)

We drove on passing through East Taieri, Walhola and stopped at Milton, a small farming town, for refuelling and shared a foot long seafood sensation sandwich from Subway.

We continued our journey through Clinton, Gore and finally arrived in Invercargill around 18:30hrs. Invercargill is New Zealand’s southernmost city with strong Scottish heritage.

(A take-away lamb kebab from a Turkish restaurant)

(The city of Invercargill)

(Top 10 Holiday Park, reliable and cozy)

We located the camp site and booked a powered site for NZ$47/night then drove to town where we bought provision at the Asian Market and lamb kebab at a Turkish restaurant next door.

As it was still bright, we decided to go to Bluff, the southern-most mainland points of south island New Zealand. We visited the Light house, the Sterling Point and the iconic Signpost and watched the captivating beautiful sunset from the Foveaux Walkway. It was said that if we ride up the Bluff Hill we could have a 360 views of Steward Island, Foveaux Strait, Southland and the gateway to Fiordland. We decided not to drive up the hill as the road is unpaved and made slippery because of the rain.

(Beware of crosswind and huge waves)

(The light house in Bluff)

On the way back to the camp site, we bypassed Invercargill town centre and took a longer route back and reached the campsite around 21:30hrs.

Tonight’s dinner was the take-away lamb kebab and vegetables soup with rice.

          2014 South NZ: 04 Te Anau, New Zealand👉

👈2014 South NZ: 02 Omarama, New Zealand