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South Island Odyssey
  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWay

South Island Odyssey

A 80-day adventure by OverTheHillsAndOnOurWay Read more
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  • Trip start
    April 8, 2024
  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    Beautiful Okere Falls near Rotorua
    Autumn leaves South of RotoruaSunset over Lake Taupo

    Waiouru Army Museum

    Apr 8–9, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Freedom camp in the carpark of this amazing museum dedicated to the history of our Army.

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
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    Plimmerton NZMCA

    Apr 9–10, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    After breakfasting in the Army Museum Cafe where we chatted with Pete and Vi, fellow caravanners, who are on their way home to Taupo after 6 weeks away. Lovely people!
    We were soon on the road, enjoying the beautiful NZ countryside and the autumn leaves.
    Lunch time found us taking a small side road to Himutangi Beach. The beach is classified as a road so we could drive right onto the sand and set ourselves up for a picnic lunch.
    On our way again we drove straight to the NZMCA park at Plimmerton arriving mid afternoon. Lazy time and then a 5 o'clock party before dinner.
    Life's good!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Renwick, Blenheim

    Apr 10–11, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    After a calm crossing on the Bluebridge ferry this afternoon we arrived in the South Island and are staying the night with Sheryl (Paul's cousin) and Kevin in Renwick just out of Blenheim.

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Kaikoura NZMCA

    Apr 11–12, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Change of plans for today. We were going to travel from Blenheim to Murchison and across to Hanmer but that area is having some terrible weather so we decided to head down SH1 to Kaikoura for the night, or maybe 2 depending on the weather. We'll still get very strong wind so we're hunkered down inside while it's blowing outside!
    We had a good drive down one of favourite stretches of road in NZ - the Kaikoura coast. Just spectacular!!
    Oh, and more amazing autumn leaves!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Hanmer Springs NZMCA

    Apr 12–14, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Today has been all about tunnels, autumn leaves, spectacular country views and will end with hot pools!
    After quite a blustery night and rain, the weather seemed a bit more settled this morning, so we decided to move on to Hanmer springs. We drove down the Kaikoura coast and then headed inland through the sort of countryside that earns NZ it's reputation for unsurpassed beauty!
    We're parked up alongside the Waiau River just south of Hanmer and will visit the hot pools early this evening!
    So far, this trip is proving all we hoped it would be. We're seeing magnificent places, meeting new people and are loving caravan life. Definitely living the dream!!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Lake Tennyson/Hanmer NZMCA

    Apr 13–14, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We decided to dip our toes into the world of back country driving today with a trip up the Rainbow Rd, into Molesworth Station, ending up at Lake Tennyson.
    The road was gravel and fairly corrugated but we decided we would be prepared to take the caravan in on another visit. Lots of bug spray required. I will put up a pic of one of the critters! They're not shy or retiring!! Lots of sand flies as well.
    Spoke to an interesting chap there. He and his wife live sometimes in Kerikeri and sometimes in Germany. She's in Germany atm so he's traveling around parts of NZ he hasn't been to.
    Before turning back to our camp and in true Broadbent fashion, we drove a little bit further up the Rainbow Rd and over the Island saddle. Amazing big country views all day and we even went through one ford.
    We're looking forward to doing more of this in Central Otago.
    Tomorrow we hit Christchurch for a few days. Catching up with friends is high on the agenda!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Campasouth POP, Christchurch

    Apr 14–15, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We're camped close to the airport tonight. In fact we're right under the flight path so there's plenty of activity above us! We chose this place because tomorrow we're taking the caravan to Jayco for a couple of jobs to be done. We arranged this before we left home. Will be good to get them done.
    Today's drive was uneventful and straight forward. We stopped in Amberley to do laundry, empty grey water, fill up with fresh water and then diesel. All mundane but necessary jobs.
    I haven't even got many photos today and the one autumn leaves one I got didn't do the scene justice! The vineyard stretched up the hill and it was a sea of orange, so much more beautiful than my pic.
    Tomorrow we'll be catching up with friends and doing some shopping. May or may not be post worthy.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Christchurch and Akaroa

    Apr 14–17, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Our first night we stayed at Campasouth pop near Christchurch Airport so we would handy to Jayco where we dropped the caravan off to get a couple of jobs done. We spent Monday visiting mustang friends, lunching with Trish, my flatmate from way too many years ago and generally shopping for bits and pieces we needed. Obviously bunnings had to be involved!
    We stayed with our bro in law in Rangiora for the next 2 nights.
    Tuesday saw us tiki touring out to Akaroa via Lyttleton. Akaroa was originally settled by the French and retains it's French flavour. Very pretty indeed.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Rangiora to Lake Poaka

    Apr 17–18, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    After a very convivial dinner at 5 stags in Rangiora last night, this morning we farewelled Helen and David as they left for Cromwell and home. Then it was time to say goodbye to Allan who hosted us for 2 nights, ably assisted by Molly the cat.
    We picked up the caravan from Jayco and got under way ourselves, heading towards Lake Poaka via the inland scenic route. It was scenic, although after a very poor night's sleep, I seem to have slept for a fair amount of the drive!!
    We stopped for lunch in Geraldine and a visit to the Barkers shop and cafe. I purchased a couple of meal bases after they've been highly recommended. This town has a personal connection for my family as my grandfather was once the postmaster there. Family legend tells of when my 2 year old uncle Pat climbed out onto the clock and my grandmother had to rescue him. Looking at the clock I can only admire the courage of my grandmother!
    We carried on with our journey duly admiring the southern alps as they came into view and then Lake Tekapo, the church of the Good Shepherd and MacKenzies dog.
    Lake Pukaki was stunning as usual with Aoraki Mt Cook sitting at it's head.
    Just a small drive on and we arrived at Lake Poaka where we're set up and now waiting for dark so we can enjoy our night sky in this dark sky region.
    Cromwell tomorrow!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    1

    Lake Poaka to Cromwell

    Apr 18–21, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    We woke up this morning to a stunning day and spectacular views. Lake Poaka is a small lake but is rimmed with beautiful trees and lots of bird life around.
    We took our time getting ready to get on the road again and head towards Cromwell where we're parked in a freedom camping area right on the edge of Lake Dunstan. Again it's spectacular! We're now hoping the weather is as good as the last couple of days so we can trot the bbq out and have bbq breakfast.
    We dined at Helen(sister) and David's home tonight with Chris (sister) and a couple of H&Ds grandchildren!
    Paul's birthday tomorrow so I'll have to be nice all day!!🤣    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
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    Cromwell-The Birthday

    Apr 19–22, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    So today was all about Paul's big birthday! It started off with phone calls from our girls and their families in Auckland, expressing their sorrow at not being able to attend (read on for more about this!) and lots of singing of happy birthday!
    We spent the day on mundane chores such as shopping and laundry and resting up before the party. And then came the surprise!!!! Completely unaware of the machinations going on behind his back, our girls arrived at our caravan and video called Paul. He was very surprised and happy when he realised they were right outside our door!!!
    And then we were off to the Stoaker Room for the party. We had a good collection of Broadbents and Mulveys and when we added in the amazing food platters, it couldn't avoid being an amazing night out.
    We called in Helen and David's for coffee when Vicki fired us up with a fairly good Aurora. Some went for a drive to get a good view and we discovered a good view from our caravan site. A spectacular ending to a very good day.
    Tomorrow we're back to H&Ds for doughnuts just like our Dad used to make. There has even been talk about maybe a wee sambucca or two to wash them down!!
    I'll check in later to let you know how that goes!!🤣🤣    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Cromwell

    Apr 20–23, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    After a wonderful night we woke up again to stunning views and sunshine across Lake Dunstan. Chris was making a huge batch of our father's doughnuts for breakfast washed down with a couple of shots of sambucca! It's becoming a bit of a family tradition!! Okay it might be that we all like sambucca and it doesn't really matter what time of day it is!!!!
    Paul and his brothers in law went shopping for his birthday present- a fishing rod and gear so now I'll just sit back and wait for the fish!!!!
    Nana nap time this arvo and a quiet night tonight.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Arrowtown, Cromwell

    Apr 21–22, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    We woke up this morning to a phone call from nephew Daniel who was staying in the same camp as us. We had a good catch up with him and then did a few routine chores around the caravan before heading over to Arrowtown to have lunch and the afternoon with Neville and Sarah. Very relaxing with lovely company!!
    Today's photos are all about autumn leaves. Arrowtown is famous for them.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
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    Clyde

    Apr 22–24, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Today we moved from Lowburn to Clyde, again freedom camping on the banks of Lake Dunstan. Had a disastrous attempt at making toastie pies- need to try again!!
    Sue and Gerard and Henry (great nephew) came for a coffee and now we're at their's for dinner. Superb lifestyle. We're super relaxed and loving every minute.Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Clyde

    Apr 23–25, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 6 °C

    We woke up this morning to a stunning fog but the sun was already starting to burn it off. Gerard, Sue and Henry came over for morning tea and I made scones. I've tried them previously in the caravan and were not overly successful. These ones were great, if I say so myself!! Henry is 5 and I think all 4 adults needed a rest! He's a gorgeous full of beans kid!
    After they left we had lunch and then attended to some mundane chores. Then home, dinner and very soon bed. Late afternoon on the lake and hills was also pretty spectacular.
    Tomorrow will be a busy day. Going on a drive in the back country. Can't wait!!
    Sue took the photos of our morning tea! Henry is such a riot!! Love him to pieces!!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Clyde and Back Country Driving 1

    Apr 24–25, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Today was a ton of fun. We did some back country driving. We went first to St Bathans and went a little camera crazy there. It is absolutely stunning and my great grandfather lived there for a time. Leaving there we left the seal behind and drove into a hut in the Oteake conservation area for lunch. The pics tell the story. We forded rivers about 25 or more times!! We took a different way out and stopped to look at some old and interesting fishing huts.
    Back on the sealed road we came home via Oturehua, (see pics of very old fashioned shop selling just about everything) Ophir (consistently records the coldest winter temps in NZ), Alexandra and back to Clyde to Gerard and Sue's for dinner. They took us on our journey today, along with the irrepressible and delightful Henry, and we couldn't be more grateful! We could not have had better hosts.
    Tomorrow we're moving on to Moke Lake near Queenstown and then further up Lake Wakatipu to the Glenorchy and Kinloch area. After that, who knows!!
    I may have to do 2 posts to get enough photos in!!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Clyde to Moke Lake

    Apr 25–28, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    After a very blustery night when the wind blew in some very violent gusts, we woke up to brilliant sunshine. After enjoying a very lazy morning, we headed out in the afternoon for Moke Lake, up Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown. Again our NZ countryside is staggeringly beautiful.
    As it was Anzac Day we took time to remember those brave men who fought for our freedom to be able to live this lifestyle - a number from both sides of our family, both WW1 and WW2.
    We arrived as the day was starting to close down and we discovered the wind followed us but now it has turned to a steady rain. We've been warned that it will be a cold night!! Our diesel heater will get fair workout and maybe even our winter pj's might get broken out!!
    We plan to be here for a few nights and then we'll move further up the lake.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Moke Lake

    Apr 26–28, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C

    Great excitement this morning!! We woke up to snow on the tops of the mountains!! It was spectacular! The morning was an interesting study in the way our views changed very quickly. The photos will speak for themselves but they were taken over half an hour or so.
    We decided it would be a porridge kind of morning! Our diesel heater is keeping us beautifully warm and cosy and it's mostly on a very low setting.
    After our fortifying breakfast, Paul decided to see if he could entice a trout onto his line. In spite of seeing them, neither he nor the beginner fly fisherman we met managed to land any. Maybe tomorrow!
    It's been fairly cold today so we were really surprised to see a wedding party here late afternoon to have their photos taken. I felt for the bride in her wedding dress in the cold for the 2 hours they were snapping away!! I hope they had a good heater in the car!
    Not sure of our plans for tomorrow but we may stay another night or we might head up to Kinloch.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    1The house I holidayed in as a kid

    Kinloch

    Apr 27–29, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    We started the day at Moke Lake with the desire to drive on the Moonlight Rd and do a bit more back country driving. However when Paul went to get permission, which was granted along with a fee request of $100!! We decided to change our plans!
    We upstaked and came up to Kinloch at the head of Wakatipu and chock full of family memories for me. In my very younger days my parents used rent a house for our annual holidays and we had a fantastic time. To get from home in Invercargill to Kinloch was quite a feat. There was no road up the lake then, so getting here went:
    Mum baked biscuits like there was no shop here (there wasn't), food and supplies were accumulated for all 8 of us for 2 weeks.
    The car was loaded the night before.
    At 3am we kids were lifted from our beds and put in the car with blankets to snuggle into. We arrived in Queenstown around 7ish and, while mum and kids were dropped off at our aunties house to get dressed and have breakfast, dad took the car to the Earnslaw wharf so it could be winched on for the trip up the lake. In those days the Earnslaw called into the stations along the lake and it was not unusual for live stock (sheep and cows) to be onboard. Upon arrival at Kinloch, the car was winched off and we all trooped up to the house which still stands and features a very good restaurant. The house (which is now a private hotel) is still pretty much configured the same way and the coal range mum slaved over is still there!
    Back to now! We're parked on water front in a DOC park but unfortunately the water front of yester year has retreated quite a way back into the lake. The Earnslaw used to tie up at the wharf in the pics. There's only about 300mm deep of water there now!
    We have been for a walk and Paul tried fishing again but only caught a stone!!
    Oh well, next time??
    Today's best news is being back online as it's our granddaughter Maia's birthday today and we were able to call her and say happy birthday to her ❤
    Tomorrow we plan to drive down to the Greenstone and up to the Routburn.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    2
    1Catch of the day

    Kinloch 2 - more photos

    Apr 28–30, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Kinloch

    Apr 28–May 1, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    After a sleep in we got up to a stunning day so celebrated by having whitebait fritters for breakfast thanks to the generosity of friends of Helen and David. We then packed a lunch and drove to Paradise on the Glenorchy side. It was gorgeous. Beautiful country. In fact it is Lord of the Rings country. We called in at diamond lake and chatted to a couple from Christchurch, then went to the end of the road, through quite a few fords. Road was fairly corrugated and lots of pot holes. We stopped by a river to have lunch. Back on the Kinloch side we headed up the routeburn. Lots of family memories here including one memorable trip there in one of the old soft top buses that used to ferry tourists from the Earnslaw to the start of the routeburn. While our family were there a storm rolled in and it thundered like anything, made worse by us being in the middle of a ring of mountains! The noise was unbelievable! When we came out to the bus the rain had collected in the soft top and we had to push it out from inside the bus. All very exciting for young kids!
    We'll have another night here and then move on.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
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    Kinloch 3

    Apr 29–May 2, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    Our last night here for this trip and mother nature celebrated with cracking frost this morning! See the pic of the ute windscreen.
    After breakfast, Paul went to see if there were any fish in the lake and apparently there aren't any!!!
    Again I packed a lunch and we drove down to the Greenstone and Elfin Bay. We walked in a wee way on the Caples track and had lunch after which Paul discovered that there are also no fish in the river!!
    We were in amongst the trees and, while it was cold it was very pretty. We spotted some interesting fungus too, not to mention the sandflies the size of blackbirds that failed to read the memo that informed them they should stay away from people soused in insect spray - a good one!!!
    On our way back to the camp two deer ran across the road (1 did yesterday as well and I forgot to mention it in that post). Too quick for a photo.
    We had plenty of time left in the day so we carried on to Glenorchy and tiki toured around there for a while. Found the community hall where I attended my first dance (NYE) at the ripe old age of 12! I remember being so excited and nervous, but loving every minute of it!
    We ended up in the pub for some beer and fries. While there a bunch of Americans arrived and were fascinated by the game of rugby on the TV. They had no idea what was going on and were grateful for our explanation!
    Back at the caravan now and in the morning we'll head out to Lumsden with a stop for emptying and refilling, laundry, groceries and lunch with Maureen and Mike Hansen. Can't wait!!    Read more

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