NZ2009 - The Catlins

The Catlins are an area of rolling green hills with a fantastic coastline on the way from Invercargill to Dunedin. First stop at Waipapa Point where we thought we were lucky to see a sea lion on the beach. Then suddenly with much bellowing and waving of fins another appeared and despite the first trying to hide in the sand, it is persuaded to return to the water. That was the last we saw of them but our imaginations ran riot!
Then to Curio Bay which is famous for petrified wood and it is easy to see the old logs now stone. But better than that we spotted 2 yellow eyed penguins! Large chicks just standing around in the sun waiting for parents to return to feed them.
On to Cathedral Caves which were amazing. 15 minute through bush down to a magnificent beach but it ws the 100m high cliffs that we wanted to see. Huge cracks in the rocks, eroded by the sea, have maade the caves. Maybe 20m high and 50m deep into the cliff. We explored several before reluctantly moving on.
Finally Nugget Point. Again fantastic cliffs and a very exposed walk up to a light house. We had great views of seals playing in pools and some Royal Spoonbills with crested heads. Our best day of sightseeing, orchestrated by Ian.