Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey takes me into the crater of Otago Harbour where I hike up an old trail to New Zealand's only castle. After exploring Lanarch Castle, I return to the city and start travelling north, stopping at Ashburton and exploring the domain in the early evening.
Today's Journey
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Following Camp Trail up the hill from Otago Harbour towards Larnach Castle which sits at the top of the 302 metre high hill. |
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View back into the old volcanic harbour from half way up the hill. This was the South Island's first volcanic area, looking through the remains of the crater. |
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I reach Lanach Castle just as the rain begins falling. This is the inside of one of the main rooms with a couple of pianos and a large chandelier. |
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Exploring one of the bedrooms on the third level. All of the furniture and decorating throughout the house is in pristine condition. |
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I reach the top of the turret from where there would normally be spectacular views over Otago Harbour. Cloud has enveloped the hill and cold rain falls, so I don't linger out here for long. |
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After exploring the house, I quickly have a look around the gardens, but the rain is still falling. From here I head back down the hill. |
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The rain clears as I start descending the track and eventually reach the shore of Otago Harbour. Here a few colourful boat sheds brighten the otherwise dreary landscape. |
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I return to The Octagon in the city centre. Rain is falling moderately again, but I am not here much longer. Here I catch a bus north to Ashburton. |
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The rain has stopped falling by the time I reach Ashburton, so I spend the early evening exploring the domain. |
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The gardens here in the domain are spectacular. It is cold though, indicating the southerly hasn't blown out yet, nor is it expected to clear tomorrow. |
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