Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey takes me out of Oban taking the boat back to the mainland at Bluff and onto Invercargill, Riverton and Nightcaps. From there I continue through Southland into Otago crossing the Balclutha River before arriving in Dunedin. Here I have time to head up to the world's steepest street and explore the botanical gardens.
Today's Journey Today's Journey
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I catch the first boat out of Oban departing 8:00. Heavy rain begins to fall just as I reach the wharf. The weather has stayed reasonably clear all this time up till now. |
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Crossing Foveaux Strait, the water is relatively calm making a fairly smooth crossing under overcast skies. Approaching Bluff Harbour as the rain stops falling, I look along the rugged Southland coastline. |
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Heading out of the port and through Bluff during a brief break in the weather. From here I head towards Invercargill. Once through Invercargill I continue heading north through the bright green farmland which has received too much rain this year. Although the climate is very cold here, the plains of Southland are very fertile. |
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Exploring the derelict buildings of Tinkertown near Nightcap. This was once a village servicing the nearby Black Diamond mine - a coal mine. |
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From Nightcaps I travel across the top of Southland towards Gore and onto Dunedin. |
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I arrive in Dunedin, passing behind its famous train station, apparently the most photographed building in New Zealand. |
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About two kilometres past the city centre is Baldwin Street, the steepest street in the world. The beginning of the street is a gentle climb but ahead it looks ominous. |
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The top end of the street is very steep with a stairway sidewalk. The road is sealed in concrete. Luckily it is late afternoon after all the tourist hoards have gone. |
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Returning down the hill, I spend the early evening exploring the very picturesque Dunedin Botanic Garden. |
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Heading through Otago University as the sun sets. Dunedin is very much a student city with its famous university. |
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