Continuing Day 3 we have to mention that we where supposed to see Cathedral Caves and McLean Falls, but because of track maintenance and high tide we where not able to do it. Both of these places are located besides each other. 20 minutes hike on the track will take you to the McLean Falls that are the tallest falls in Catlins. They look stunning! Another good thing about these falls are that you can cool down in the falls in hot summer day! Take your swim wear! :)
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| McLean Falls (NZ) |
There is two hour window during in early morning or late evening when its possible to see Cathedral Caves and it is because of low tide. You have to check the tide tables at the information centre before you go there so that you wouldn't miss them like we did. The cave consists of five caves along Waipati beach and the sealing of the caves are as high as 20 and up to 30 metres high at some places. It is short hike to the caves (about 20 minutes) and then about 5 minutes on the beach. Because the pat is located on private private land then there is 5 NZD entrance fee that covers track maintenance expense. When you will go there then remember to take torch light because cave is as long as 100 metres and it is darkness there. The good thing is that you might be lucky and see native blue penguins and seals there.
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| Chathedral Caves and view from inside |
We didn't see McLean Falls but instead we saw Niagara Falls (NZ). That was so much fun to see them and compare them to Niagara Falls in USA/Canada where we where during our road trip around North America. The surveyor who named them had seen the North American Niagara Falls and we can tell that there is one thing similar to them. Witch one?? Go there and you will see! :) This stop will take just about 5 minutes from your time! :)
Next our stop where at Porpoise Bay and Curio Bay. In both of these places it is possible to see dolphins playing in the waves and penguins walking on the beach. We expected to see penguin like this one in Curio Bay...
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| Yellow Eyed Penguin (NZ) |
But it looks like they all where gone fishing or maybe they went on vacation to Australia. But Curio bay is not only interesting because of dolphins and penguins. It has much more to offer to us! We where going to Curio bay to see 180 million old fossilised subtropical forest. It is possible to see it at low tide and somehow we where lucky and saw it in early evening. A highlight of this Jurassic Age forest was remains of logs and stumps that where exposed in the beach. Amazing to see something that is so ancient! Take a look at the most extensive fossilised forest in the world and imagine yourself that little penguin walking through it today!! Amazing!!
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| Fossilised tree trunk at Curio Bay, New Zealand |
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| Jurassic forest remains, and a log imprint at the Curio Bay |
When we had seen this beach we went to see another point near by. In fact it is not just another point but it is southern most point of the south island of New Zealand. South Pole just 4803 km away from Slope point where we are standing at the moment!! :) This is the most southern point where we have been so far! :)
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| Eva at the Slope Point |
The cost line there is quite rough and together with strong wind it looks so remote. The only sign of life here was fossilised turtle just like one from Hawaii!! :) Valdis decided to take a ride on it! :)
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| Valdis is taking a ride on a fossil of a turtle at Slope Point (NZ) |
Just beside the track to the southern point is one of the most stunning landscape of New Zealand. Strong southern winds are blowing constantly here and there is proof still standing strong here.
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| Trees shaped by wind at slope point (New Zealand) |
Absolutely amazing to see this view! And if you are looking closely at the picture, you can see that trees are protecting this little farm house that is standing almost exposed in the middle of this enormous meadow. It would be interesting to see this meadow full of sheep and those wind shaped trees in one picture! :)
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| New Zealand Sheep |
The last thing what we had to see today is Waipapa Point Light house and this was the first time when we almost did step on a sea lion witch was sleeping in long grass at the Waipapa Point bay. We suggest to watch your kids and yourself when you are there because we where just running over sand dunes when the sea lion appeared. It was great to spend this day on this part of New Zealand. Of course we had to wake up early and we where back in Dunedin late in the evening but at least we saw a lot and did a lot! Long day but it was also a Fun Day!! :)
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| Sea Lion at Waipapa Point Light House |
At this point we decided to go and meet up with our friends in Lake Tekapo so we chose to go back, but if you are following our route then we suggest you to go to Milford Sound and then to Queenstown. In that case you will probably save some fuel but Lake Tekapo is amazing location and you definitely have to see it you are in south island of New Zealand. See our next days of the Road Trip and you will understand why Lake Tekapo is so special! :)
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