The Catlins - part one

From Taieri Mouth, as I noted at the end of the last post, we headed to Owaka which is really in the Catlins. Taieri Mouth doesn't count as the Catlins, as we found out once we were in Owaka...

Taieri Mouth was exquisite, but it doesn't have the rugged coastline that characterises the Catlins.

At Owaka we stayed at Thomas's motorcamp and lodge, which approached from the rear - as instructed by the sign for the motorhome entrance - is quite a daunting sight. It is the old Owaka Hospital and the first building seen on entry is the old boiler house. Getting to the office from the back of the main building is circuitous, but well signed; and as soon as I entered I knew 'hospital'. Jan, the owner runs it virtually single-handed apart from Janice who helps her out in the office in the mornings, while Jan is busy finishing up from breakfast, changing sheets and towels and organising all the washing - the woman never seems to stop.

The lawn on which motorhomes and caravans park is lovely, bounded by trees and quite spacious, so we were happy to set up camp for a couple of days and do out and backs.

Our first trip out was south to Purakaunui Falls. The falls were impressive, in spite of there not having been much rain to have them fully flowing across the escarpment; however just as impressive was the bush/forest on the walk in to the falls. There were some amazingly tall native trees.

It's been quite dry so not as much water coming over these falls as is usual.

 I'd have to say that the Dept of Conservation (DOC) does a really good job of developing these tourist sites - meandering well-formed tracks, sturdy bridges, and good interp (most of us call it signage, but to DOC it is interpretation, because it doesn't just give direction, it gives information, and makes best use of learning opportunities. And the parking areas often have toilet facilities and are always of a decent size to accommodate the many tourists in cars, campers, motorhomes and caravans. Fortunately they all have signs that say No Overnight Camping. Not sure it is always adhered to though.

On our return we had a wander around Owaka village and found a lovely shop. David was very tempted to for me to buy a wind vane similar to, but smaller than the one we saw at Kokonga. He thought about it overnight and decided against it. Yay!! that meant I could go back and buy the one I really liked that is now boxed up and kept in the motorhome bathroom. It does have to be moved out when we want to use the shower, but as that doesn't happen often (only joking!) it's not a problem.

On our wander we also called in at the Information Centre and David got lots of info about rail trails - anorak!

So the next day, we first headed north to Nugget Point and the lighthouse.

This is where we were aiming for - Nugget Point Lighthouse.

I drove the road marked by the solid yellow line. We walked this path - shown by the broken yellow line.

Almost at the last part of the walk, looking southwards along the coast.

Rocky outcrops on the northern side of the peninsula.

I felt very secure with this fence in place. The path along the way from the carpark wasn't fully fenced - I held on to David - not to keep me safe, but to make sure I didn't have to worry about his getting too close to the edge ...

Crap selfie, with David in the background (aim of the photo) on the platform. My courage had definitely disappeared by this stage ...

A better photo showing David on the platform and the nuggets - the formations are what the point has been named for.

Along the way, there are a number of plaques with poems. I found them very moving and they encapsulate the sense of the place.

 I was pleased we went to Nugget Point - I had been a bit anxious about the trip - both the drive and the walk given I am such a wuss about high places.