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South Island Odyssey
  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWay

South Island Odyssey

A 80-day adventure by OverTheHillsAndOnOurWay Read more
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  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Kinloch to Lumsden

    Apr 30–May 2, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌧 12 °C

    It's been a rainy old day today, especially unwelcome when we have to pack up and move on. However Kinloch has been a wonderful journey down memory lane for me. We found a rainbow on our way down the lake!
    In Queenstown we drove past the hotel we were both working at when his nibs swept me off my feet!!
    We did a much needed grocery shop in frankton, then met up with our life long friends, Mike and Maureen for lunch. Such a great catch up! Maureen and I grew up together. Her family and mine were neighbours. After warming our seats for 2 hours we thought we better let the cafe reclaim them!
    On our way again it was a fairly grey trip down the lake to Lumsden. We broke out the wine and cheese to celebrate the rainy day!!
    Tomorrow we're having dinner with my nephew's family. Will be so cool to see them.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Lumsden

    May 1–3, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    As is my habit , I pulled the shade down a little bit when I woke up to see the day and if there was anything to see. I was well rewarded this morning to find bunnies hopping around us. Around a dozen I'd estimate!! Some say pest but it's a novelty for us!
    We had a quiet day, laundry, lunch at a lovely Cafe, roar in Lumsden, a nap in the afternoon and then dinner at Richard and Jo's, my nephew and niece in law. Such a wonderful night. Beautiful food and superb people. As a bonus, we enjoyed a stunning sunset.
    Unsure if we'll stay another night or move on again.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Mavora Lakes

    May 3–5, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Once again we find ourselves in paradise!! We left Lumsden late this morning and wandered our way to the Mavora Lakes. Neither of us had been here before and we had been encouraged by a number of people to go, so we did and we're not at all sorry! I've said it all before but again we're in a stunning part of NZ. The photos will speak for themselves! This is a large area with several camping sites and there are only 3 or 4 parties here. Very much spread out. Paul has verified that there are no fish here!! Then he went for a walk and brought back firewood with the idea to make a fire for us to sit by while we had our pizza and red wine. Was a very good idea!
    Tomorrow we're going to drive to Walter Peak Station and the day after we will move on to Manapouri.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    1

    Mavora Lakes 2

    May 4–6, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 3 °C

    Mother Nature continues to deliver in spades! We woke up this morning to a very heavy frost. It made for some awesome photos.
    Our plan for the day was to drive through to Walter Peak Station and so we bustled around making bacon and egg sammies for lunch and making porridge for breakfast. It seemed like a porridge kind of morning with all the frost!
    Once fed, watered and lunch packed we were on our way in brilliant sunshine and through amazing scenery. The only way either of us had been to Walter Peak Station was via the Earnslaw so going on the back country road was pretty exciting! The photos will tell the story. Farm life was going on around us. We had to stop for 2 mobs of sheep that were being moved to a new paddock. There were cattle, fords, gates to open and close. Plenty of action.
    While at Walter Peak we spent some time with a very friendly German couple, wandered around the gardens, watched the Earnslaw come in and go out, ate our lunch, spoke to another lady, this one from Auckland and bought me an Earnslaw captain's hat! When we kids, the captain would let us "drive" the Earnslaw but we had to wear the captain's hat! Now I have my own!!
    Back at Mavora we met up with a couple Paul had spoken to last night and had a drink and chat by the roaring fire they had going! Paul and Sue from Alexandra. Very nice people.
    Finally home for dinner and probably an early night!!
    Will probably move on to Manapouri tomorrow.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Manapouri

    May 5–6, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Just as a change from heavy frost, we woke up to a pea souper fog. It took a wee while for the sun to burn it off and then it was glorious weather, including some very pretty clouds.
    We packed up the caravan, hitched up and got on our way to Manapouri. At least that's what we planned! A nice straight forward run through. Not what fate had in store for us!
    Driving along the gravel road quite happily, when there was a bang! Blowout in one of our brand new tyres on the ute! Bugger!! Paul had all my sympathy as he did the change. We've not had to do that especially on this vehicle and all the gear you need is stashed in secret hidey holes where you would least expect!! After about an hour we were ready to get under way and made it to Manapouri without any more problems!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Manapouri 2

    May 7–10, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    We've had a quiet couple of days. Yesterday was pretty much a cleaning and maintenance day. Laundry was high on the agenda as was a vacuum and wipe down throughout the caravan. With all the dusty roads we've been on it was filthy! Gas bottle needed to be filled etc,etc. We did find time to do a tiki tour around Manapouri and Te Anau. We found a few familiar places including Katharine (my sister) and Bernard's crib.
    Today we did a flying trip to Invercargill to get our blown out tyre replaced. Carters are going to get the damaged one checked to see what went wrong which is really good.
    We managed to fit in lunch with my long time friend (school friend) Maria. So very cool to catch up!!
    Heading back to Manapouri we asked Google to plot the route and clever her took us through the country roads where I lived my early life!! Lots of good reminiscing.
    Tomorrow maybe Milford Sound?    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    1

    Milford Sound day trip

    May 8, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Great day trip to Milford Sound today. I have run out of superlatives to describe the countryside we traveled through. It's just breath taking! I will have to let the photos speak.
    On the way we stopped into Cascade Creek DOC campsite. My family had a holiday there many moons ago and it has changed a lot. We stayed in cabins and meals were served in a communal dining room. Those buildings are all gone and the DOC camp is across the creek. It's still very pretty and good to look back.
    The Homer tunnel is getting a little glitzed up with a flash new portal. No keas that we saw.
    Once at Milford we caught up with Neville who had a bus load of tourists over there and enjoyed having lunch with him. We wandered around and took photos and then headed for home. We're moving on tomorrow to Blackmount. From there we'll do day trips all around the area.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    1

    Brunel Peaks Café and Bar, Blackmount

    May 9–11, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    This morning brought some excitement via a pretty heavy frost at manapouri, including a stream of frozen water from a tap in the camping ground.
    We took our time getting under way as our next meander has taken us just half an hour away into some wonderful solitude surrounded by beautiful mountains capped with snow. Paul went for a walk this afternoon and found some frost that was still there from this morning!
    We'll probably go and see Lake Monowai tomorrow but it might be a slow start. The weather gurus are promising our coldest night yet!! Definitely loving our heater!!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Brunel Peaks Cafe and Bar, Monowai 2

    May 10–12, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 4 °C

    Today, after a lovely brekkie at our host's cafe and a chatter to another customer, we went meandering again. This time to Lake Monowai. We stopped along the way to look at a power station on the river as well as a swing bridge. We shared the road with a grader but did manage to get past him.
    Arriving at Monowai we were stunned again at the beauty of the scenery. Went for a walk and found another power station and some fungi. One group were enormous. Paul included his hand for perspective.
    We then went further down the road and found Borland Lodge.
    We ended the day with dinner at the Cafe.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Tuatapere

    May 11–13, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    So after indulging in another breakfast at the cafe, we set out for Tuatapere, the town where I was born. We'll probably stay for a couple of days.
    Once set up, we had a cuppa with our new neighbours and then went for a drive.
    First stop was at the Clifden Suspension Bridge. I remember driving over it when I was just a very wee nipper. We spotted about 20 trout lurking in the river so the great mystery has been solved!! All the fish in the South Island are hiding in this river and the fishing season is closed in the rivers!!!! Of course it is!!
    Moving on we asked Google to set the route to Mulvey Road (my first home). The first attempt would have us going to India! Ah no. Attempt 2 was a little better. Australia this time. Attempt 3 returned no result searching just for Mulvey Rd. Attempt 4 saw us typing in Mulvey rd eastern bush and lo and behold, success!!!!!
    Found my old school site on the way. The building I started school in was replaced some time ago.
    Finally arrived at Mulvey Rd and took the obligatory photo under the sign. Then down the road to the farm. The house is set back from the road so photos are not that good. However, for immediate family, it is still for sale.
    We also went down Township rd, mainly because there is no Township!! We did find an old cemetery however with the best info board. All the inmates are listed and the story of the cemetery. A real gem!!
    Tomorrow will see us tiki touring around some more.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Tuatapere 2

    May 12–14, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    I have to say that it seemed a bit ironic that we were in the most southern part of the country with 100% cloud cover during the best aurora in 20 years!
    That definitely required a sleep in this morning for Mother's Day including a cuppa in bed to recover from the irony!
    After farewelling our neighbours whoweremoving on, we went tiki touring around the area through the coal mining area of Ohai and Nightcaps. There's Heritage Trail info boards dotted around which help give you a sense of the history.
    The local 4 Square had promised to make Southland cheese rolls for us so we popped in to collect them. Unfortunately for us, they had no sandwich bread so have to wait till tomorrow!! They'll be worth the wait!!
    Will probably do a bit of coastal exploration tomorrow.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Tuatapere 3

    May 13–16, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 7 °C

    We seem to be creating a habit of having a lazy start, having brunch and then heading out exploring.
    Today we went to Bluecliffs and then out to the start of the Humpridge track. Again the scenery was unbelievable and so wild! The trees are permanently sloping from the wind. The people who live in this place must be hardy!
    Tomorrow we'll be moving on further along the south coast and more adventures!!!!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    11

    Riverton

    May 14–16, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 11 °C

    We're now parked up at Riverton and explored the southern coast this afternoon. It was stunning, quaint, wild, windswept and all round awesome!! We saw crazy houses, the most crazy being one that was built into the rock! There was also a seriously quaint little settlement of fishing cottages, trees that are growing sideways because of the wind and Stewart Island.
    We ate out twice, lunch and dinner. Yay, no dishes!!!!!
    Enjoy the photos!!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Riverton 2

    May 15–17, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Day 2 here at Riverton. We started the day by exploring Riverton Rocks starting at the fishing boat harbour. This is probably the most picturesque boat harbour in NZ! Then it was off around the Rocks from the harbour side to the ocean side - spectacular! So peaceful on one side and wild on the other! I love it!
    Then we tiki toured around the country side towards Otautau, turning down all the gravel roads we could find!
    This took us over the Aparima River Bridge and on both sides pretty much as far as you could see were whitebaiters huts. I definitely have to let the pictures speak for themselves!! They were amazing!!
    Found a train fan's large size collection at Fairfax. Well done but I don't think we got any photos. I was too busy trying to find the pub from ages ago. On the odd occasion dad would stop for a beer there, he would bring us out a sarsparillo. We thought we were the bees knees!
    Tomorrow we're off to Invercargill for a few days!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Invercargill 2

    May 16–19, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 9 °C

    It rained cats and dogs last night and we woke up to a mini lake behind the caravan. It didn't cause us any issues however so we set off on our day. First order of business was to look for Tara's birthday present. We were partially successful but still need to sort out more.
    Then it was off to lunch with a number of my school friends and Helen and David. It was a fantastic catch up. Unfortunately we all omitted to take photos!
    After lunch I spent a productive hour at the laundromat and then we were back to the caravan and a 5 o'clock party with HandD and another couple, Mike and Sue who are traveling very closely to where we're going.
    Tomorrow we move on to Gore after watching my great nephew play football.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    My paternal grandparents used to live on this site. Fast forward to my teen years and I used to go t
    My paternal grandparents lived here in their older years. Definitely not this house.My friend's house. During my high school years I spent many weekend nights here!1My family home.I had a great holiday here! So many happy memories!

    Invercargill

    May 16–19, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌬 10 °C

    We arrived in Invercargill yesterday and had a very quiet day. Nothing really to report.
    Today however was all about nostalgia. We ventured out this morning and visited my grandparents homes, my old schools, our local park, my family home and my friend's family home. A home I spent a large amount of time in. Hence there are a few house photos. A quick supermarket shop and back to the caravan for lunch and to meet up with Helen and David who are here for the next few days.
    Appetites satisfied, the 4 of us were back on the nostalgia trail. We tracked down our old farm, drove out to Omaui where I holidayed once with my friend's family. It was so good to remember all the crazy antics we got up to! Then we went to Bluff where we took the obligatory photo by the signpost that points to many points on the globe.
    We enjoyed a 5 o'clock party with Helen and David and then back to our caravan for the night.
    Tomorrow is shopping, laundry and lunch with some of my old school mates.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    Brrr!
    Ice on the streamMore iceFrost1Lunch with Brian and Helen and DavidSouthland countrysideMatauraMataura 2Parked up in Gore1Gorgeous puppies and niece!More puppy happiness!

    Gore

    May 19–21, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    Yesterday Paul put some extra little bits of insulation in the caravan and boy were we glad of that this morning! We had a good solid frost! The stream behind us was frozen and the grounds white! Beautiful sunny sky which always makes us happy because it charges up our solar!
    After breakfast Helen and David and Paul and I went to watch our great nephew playing hockey which was a real treat! Good to see Sarah, our niece, as well.
    Next up was lunch with our long time family friend, Brian. We had a good catch up and recalled lots of fun times!
    Lunch done, we all went to the cemetery to visit Bernard and Katharine (my sister and brother in law). I still struggle a bit to think they're both gone. I try hard to remember the good times and all the fun we had.
    We went back to our camp where Helen and David left to go home and we packed up to move to Gore.
    Dinner tonight was at Sarah and Paul's and we had a fantastic time. Played with the dogs, loved getting to know Ryan (the hockey playing nephew) better and enjoyed generally talking and catching up. Special mention must be made of the yummy roast dinner!!
    Tomorrow we'll idle around Gore and see what we find!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    Mataura Bridge
    Mataura riverMataura riverMum and DadGoreGore 2Gore 3Dolamore ParkDolamore Park 2Dolamore Park 3Dolamore Park 4Dolamore Park 5Gravel road 2Gravel road 2Pretty river near Mandeville

    Gore 2

    May 20–22, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ -1 °C

    Bit of a drizzly day today but that didn't put us off!
    We popped down to Mataura this morning to say hello to mum and dad. It was very pleasing to see how clean all the graves were in the cemetery. We usually have to scrub the headstone down but not this time. The ute was beginning to look clean again so we opted to return to Gore via a gravel road on the other side of the river!!
    This afternoon we tiki toured out to Dolamore Park which I had never visited previously. We were very impressed and look forward to camping there one day.
    After yet another gravel road and dirt on the car, we made our way back to the caravan. Sarah popped in and we had enjoyed another great chat! Such a special time!!
    We haven't quite finalised what we're doing tomorrow but probably moving on towards central Otago.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    Lawrence
    Kelly and Grant's fav houseBreakneck rd! We drove down here and survived!Lake MahinarangiThe river just by our camp

    Pinders Pond 2

    May 21–23, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ 🌫 3 °C

    Today we went meandering again and headed for Lawrence first. The hills and town were wreathed in mist. Eerie and beautiful. We drove around the town and just outside it for a bit. We found a house that Kelly and Grant fell in love with some time ago and then went to find Lake Mahinarangi.
    What a surprise was waiting for us!! We drove for miles on gravel roads, through forest and farmland, one valley after another and eventually the lake came into view. It is a substantial sized lake and was completely new to us. It's surrounded by farms and boasts a village of around 30 fishing cribs. A very pretty lake.
    Home via a different gravel road, wee bit of shopping and an ice cream and another day was done.
    Probably moving on tomorrow towards Cromwell.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Pinders Pond

    May 21–23, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Before we departed Gore this morning, we called in to Keelow Craft so Paul could give us a guided tour on making jet boats. It was so good to spend a decent amount of time with the Cross family!
    On arrival back to the showgrounds to pick up the caravan, we were very surprised to find a takeover had taken place. A school was there for their annual cross country run. Parents cars and busses everywhere and we were blocked in! After a quick word with a friendly bus driver, he moved his bus and we could get on our way.
    This time we're heading in the general direction of central Otago via tapanui and Raes Junction. The countryside through this area is stunning. The photos just do not do justice at all! We detoured off for a couple of nights at Pinders Pond near Roxburgh. Again a place of spectacular beauty!!
    Tomorrow we'll probably go meandering in the area and see what we can find!!    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    Misty morning
    Just wisps left nowOld woodshed ruinsThere's snow in them thar hills!

    Pinders Pond 3

    May 23–26, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☀️ 2 °C

    Wake up saw us enshrouded in mist and we had a slight frost. It was beautiful and before too long the sun shone through. Again with the superlatives! Just breath taking! We decided to break out the BBQ and cook brunch outside, but it was a bit too nippy so we chickened out and ate inside.
    I packed up afternoon tea and we decided to drive out to Lake Onslow, a little closer to our camp than yesterday's excursion. We wound our way high up into the hills and couldn't get enough of the scenery. Predictably, stunning! However the higher we got the more greasy the road became and in spite of our 4wd the ute was slipping a bit. We made the decision to call it quits, and come home. We'll wait for summer to see Lake Onslow!! I've included pics of our tyres and wheel arch to show you the dirt!
    We will move on tomorrow towards Cromwell or Arrowtown.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    Autumn leaves!!
    Good drinks on a cold day!Tried to get these clowns to take a good photo!!Impossible!

    Arrowtown

    May 24–26, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    We moved to Arrowtown yesterday and are parked on a POP at Arrow junction.
    We took care of the regular jobs such as emptying and refilling, and laundry on our way over. Then had a lovely evening with Neville and Sarah.
    This morning we picked Neville up and drove over the Crown Range to Cardrona. There's plenty of new development going on so we had a nosey around and then went to the pub for lunch which included a very nice mulled wine for me.
    Then back to Arrowtown, picked Sarah up and tbey came to check out the caravan. After that we popped into town to visit the Royalburn shop (Nadia Lims) and then we went to Grant and Melissa's for a catch up and dinner.
    All round a lovely stay including more great family time.
    Tomorrow we're off to Omakau to watch many Rules and Munros grass carting.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler
    1

    Omakau

    May 26–27, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 1 °C

    So today we moved on from Arrowtown and came across to Omakau so we could watch the Rules and Munros doing grass carting. Loads of fun and some very exciting racing, including several races featuring 3 generations! They were fiercely fought! We loved catching up with the Munros!
    We're currently parked up at the local race course with Helen and David. We made the most of the opportunity to have a 5 o'clock party and a wee shot or 2 after dessert!
    Just going a little distance tomorrow to the Hayes Engineering Museum.    Read more

  • OverTheHillsAndOnOurWaySouth Island OdysseyTraveler

    Oturehua, Hayes Engineering Museum

    May 27–28, 2024 in New Zealand ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    We're now parked up in the grounds of Southern history!! This is where E Hayes and Sons of Invercargill and (Burt Munro) fame all started. Tomorrow we'll look through the museum which I am sure will see Paul in 7th Heaven!!
    Meanwhile today we went meandering around the area and found a couple of local dams and another muddy back country road!! All good fun!!
    On our way here we had some awesome scenery so had to take some pics. Note the snow on the hills!! We're surrounded by it now! Very exciting.
    Tomorrow we're moving on to Ranfurly via the curling rink in Naseby.    Read more

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