Sea Lion (Zalophus Californianus), Waipapa Point, the Catlins, South Island, New Zealand
Before we reached our last overnight stop in the south, Colac Bay, we stocked up at a huge supermarket in Invergarcill. We mention this, because it was an experience in itself. After seeing only beauty for the last few days, we now felt like being on a different planet when shopping in this commercial hub of 50.000 souls. To put it mildly, the city has a rough edge that can be seen in people’s appearance!
Continuing our trip along the south coast, we stopped at Curio Bay and very scenic Porpoise Bay surrounded by steep cliffs and a strong surf. Unfortunately we did not see any of its resident Hector’s dolphins.
Porpoise Bay, South Island, New Zealand
Near Slope Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand, South Island, New Zealand
Near Slope Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand, South Island, New Zealand
Slope Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand, South Island, New Zealand
Slope Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand, South Island, New Zealand
Slope Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand, and Waipapa Point were other places we checked out. The latter has a little colony of sea lions that was quite active, yawning, moving a meter, dropping their full weight on another sleeping sea lion, more movement than we had ever seen before. We must admit this time New Zealand clearly scored over Argentina, after having been so critical about penguins watching.
Slope Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand, South Island, New Zealand
Slope Point, the southernmost point in New Zealand, South Island, New Zealand
Sea Lion (Zalophus Californianus), Waipapa Point, the Catlins, South Island, New Zealand
Sea Lion (Zalophus Californianus), Waipapa Point, the Catlins, South Island, New Zealand
Sea Lion (Zalophus Californianus), Waipapa Point, the Catlins, South Island, New Zealand
In Colac Bay, we spent the night at Dustez Bak Paka’s, which offers very basic rooms next to the campground. Dusty is a true character who worked 25 years on a fishing boat and an endless source of information. He also runs the village pub right next to the camp site and since it was Saturday night everybody was there for beer, watching rugby on TV and a good chat.
In Colac Bay, at Dustez Bak Paka’s, South Island, New Zealand
This typical pub ambience changed abruptly when a group of young men arrived with their guitar and got things rolling. Everybody started singing and the locals eventually got interested in us. It was an unforgettable night out, the next morning Dusty and other guests met us to bid us farewell, a really moving moment.
On the beach, Waipapa Point, the Catlins, South Island, New Zealand
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