9th December 2009
When we first decided to come to New Zealand we thought a campervan would be the ideal way to tour the place and see loads of things. However, due to the cost of hiring at this time of year (peak) and availability issues, instead of a van for the entire 5 weeks on the south island, we ended up with one for just two and a half weeks. How lucky we were….
While we’ve enjoyed the freedom of just heading where we want and stopping during the day for a cup of tea or spot of lunch, the actual sleeping part hasn’t been quite so much fun. After a bit, having to convert and unconvert the bed every evening and morning became a bit of a drag. Add to that the fact that we’ve endured mostly rain during our time in the campervan, after two weeks we were ready for a break from it.
It’s been a good experience, but next time we would get a bigger van and not necessarily bother with a toilet and shower since the facilities at the campsites are so good, you just don’t need them, but you live and learn.
We set off from Dunedin this morning to explore the Otago Peninsula which is home to the only mainland breeding colony for any albatross species found in the southern hemisphere. Unfortunately for us at this time of year they are sat on their nests which makes it difficult to see their magnificent wingspan. The peninsula is also famous for dolphins, seals, sea-lions and penguins, none of which were in attendance this morning. The peninsula itself is very pretty though and reminded us of the Gower in places.
For sanity’s sake, tonight we’re staying in a hostel just south of Oamaru - another place famous for its penguins, blue ones this time. A good decision as it turns out because once again the evening’s soundtrack was high winds and driving rain, but this time we were tucked up nice and warm in a purpose built backpackers with a log fire and proper beds. Bliss! The penguins didn’t stand a chance :).
