Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula
15.02.2011
21 °C
After a good night’s sleep we woke up again to sunshine and blue skies – wish our summers were like this. We certainly have had excellent weather in the time we have been in NZ.
We had looked at the brochures and decided to go to Otago Penisula and visit Larnach Castle, the Royal Albatross Colony on Taiaroa Head and the Penguin Place. The above photos were taken from a Rotary Sponsored Park on the Otago Peninsula.
On our way we passed through Musselburgh and Portobello where the views were amazing – slightly better than in the Musselburgh and Portobello we know!!
Larnach Castle and grounds are privately owned by the Barker family, who have spent many years restoring the Castle to something of its former glory.
The Castle was build in 1871 by William Larnach, a politician and financier, for his first wife (as he married 3 times).
200 workmen spent three years building the Castle shell and European craftsmen spent a further 12 years completing the interior.
There is a beautiful Georgian-style hanging staircase, intricately carved ceilings and gorgeous views from the tower at the top of the building.
The Royal Albatross Colony is the world’s only mainland colony for giant royal albatrosses.
They have a viewing gallery and an interesting visitor’s centre. Unfortunately the tours were booked so we went down towards the beach and Iain managed to get a photograph of an albatross.
Did you know? The eggs laid by the giant royal albatross in November hatch roughly 11 weeks later, with each parent taking turns to incubate them. The chicks remain at Taiaroa until the following September when they take their first flight. Adult birds range over 2,000km (1,240 miles) of sea, returning to breed in alternate years. They have wingspans of up to 3m (10 feet) – JUST THOUGHT SOME OF YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED
On the way back we briefly stopped at the Penguin Place but unfortunately there were no tours available at the time so we did not manage to see any penguins – we will just have to go to Edinburgh Zoo when we get back. Seemingly 70 yellow eyed penguins live here and each has a name (how the staff can tell who is who I don’t know)!
Tonight we are going to Baldwin Street – the steepest street in the world but somehow I don’t think we will be walking UP it but hopefully will get some photos.
UPDATE AT 10.30PM
Before we went for dinner tonight we DID WALK UP Baldwin Street and both have certificates to prove it.
What an amazing view from the top of the street.
Tomorrow it is a four hour drive to the Lakefront Lodge at Te Anau – it sounds good but checking on “Trip Advisor” I am not sure if many of the rooms have a “lake view” – we will have to wait to see.
Thanks again for all your comments – we have not had an update on Arnie yet but will phone Chris later,
Posted by janiain 02:23 Archived in New Zealand
Well you certainly picke the time to go away - weather ghastly here! I've been serving on stall at the Rotary Coffee am this am, and as so nasty out - snow first thing now just damp and yukky - i'm catching up on 10 days of your travels that i haven't received andhave gone to fnd them and loving my hot afternoon with you both! The memories of the tour round the Albatross Centre was a special moment of our holiday in NZ so they all came flooding back - such magnificent birds with an amazing tale to tell! I'm off on your next day now.........
19.02.2011 by jim and patricia