New Zealand Road Trip / South Island / Day 5 : To Dunedin, back to the east coast

Monday 9th April, 2012

Gore to Dunedin with some scenic routes in between

State Highway 90, State Highway 8 and State Highway 1 ; 181 km

I was excited to leave Gore this morning. After taking our breakfast in a local cafe, we found ourselves driving on Irk St leaving Gore. Oh well ... with the morning drizzle, we're hoping the day ahead would be much better.

We decided to head north on State Highway 90 as it was mentioned that, at this time of the year, we would be seeing some spectacular autumn colours along the way. With all the previous reds and yellows we've seen, I didn't think it would make much difference, but I gave it the benefit of the doubt.


An hour later we reached Raes Junction and with nothing worth stopping for we continued on. Soon we arrived in a little town, called Lawrence, and with the weather improving, we thought it would be nice to have a stop and get a little warmer. I must admit, that little sun felt like it was summer already, for when I stumbled upon a delicious looking ice-cream, I just had to have it. And it was nice!

Lake Waihola, our next stop

A deer farm not far from Lake Waihola

So we didn't see much autumn colours along the way and at noon, we arrived in Dunedin. It was quite nice to be back in a big city, but we didn't stop long. After a quick tour around one of the hilly suburbs of Dunedin, we headed towards Portobello, situated in the Otago Peninsula, where we will be spending the night.

A view of Otago Peninsula in the background. A part of Dunedin in the foreground.

When we got to the campt site, it was barely one o'clock in the afternoon. With a visitor's guide and a map in hand, we headed to the Royal Albatross Centre, the world's only mainland breeding colony of the Royal Albatross. I joined a 45 minute tour to a viewing point where the guide guaranteed that we will be able to see the bird. A couple were seen flying around, and a few young ones were in the nest on the ground. It was a fascinating tour, something new to learn.

Stewart Island shag mud nests

Afterward we walked down to Pilots Beach, to see the seals, and hopefully some penguins, too.

Above, Pilots Beach.

Below: a fur seal enjoying an afternoon nap, oblivious to the throng of crazy tourists around.

The only penguin I saw, was deep in her burrow (most probably didn't want to be disturbed!)

We ended the tour with a coffee break at one of the seaside cafes on the way back to the campsite. Despite the increasingly darkening skies and a drizzle, I managed to enjoy one of the most delicious apricot muffins I've ever tasted, made by the lady who run the Eden Cafe at the back of her van. That was a great way to end a great day.