South Island trip Part 2: Dunedin/Catlins

From Christchurch, we drove to Dunedin where we spent another couple of days. One of the first things we did on arrival was to attempt to climb the World's Steepest Street (Baldwin St).


We made it, of course. Easily :)



The Dunedin Railway Station is apparently the most photographed building in New Zealand. It is indeed an architecturally interesting building.


The Taieri Gorge Railway
Jacob and me checking out the engine of the Taieri Gorge train.


Alice, Jacob and me posing in front of the Taieri Gorge train.


Alice and me aboard the train, all set to go!


They stop to let you off and you could walk across the viaduct...


...so that you could take a photo of the train coming across...


Alice opted for the Royal treatment and waved to us as the train went past...


The countryside was lovely.



The famous Reefs Hotel - out in the middle of nowhere, and nothing more than a tiny shack, this "Hotel" is also known as Mr Magoo's Hut.


Larnach Castle
We also visited Larnach Castle - NZ's only castle.


The view from the castle was beautiful - Otago harbour.


Castle tower.


The real Alice posing with a sculpture of "Alice in Wonderland" on the castle grounds.


The Catlins
The Catlins Coastal Heritage Trail stretches just outside of Balclutha (south of Dunedin) and takes you into Invercargill. It is a bit of a detour but well worth the extra time and petrol as it is very scenic.

We stopped for a short walk to view Matai Falls.


The Whistling Frog Cafe - an interesting frog themed cafe where we stopped for the mandatory caffeine boost.


We also stopped at Curio Bay to view the jurassic fossilised forest (also known as the Petrified Forest). Rather amazing. But it sure was wild and windy!!


Coming up next - Part 3: Te Anau, Manapouri and Queenstown!