I awoke to more rain and locals trying to convince me that it is not normally like this... Thank goodness I've got some time in Aus coming up!

I headed out to the Real Dog Company kennels to do a kennel tour and learn about the Alaskan Malamute dog. Nigel did a fab tour and answered all of my questions (Gary, we can get two of these!). I got to say hello to Maple, Clara, Scott, Shackleton, Soldier, Willow, Ruby and Amundsen amongst others.

I headed north on a short detour to see Naseby, a heritage village. Unfortunately I'd left my waterproof jacket at the dog place so I did a quick drive around (not a patch on Arrowtown) and headed back to collect my jacket.

I then drove the scenic route to Dunedin's Otago Peninsula via Middlemarch. For over half an hour I drove through the Rock and Pillar range, which appeared to be a big version of Dartmoor, complete with rain... It didn't make me miss it at all!

Once on the peninsula the pace of life slowed, partly because the coastal road is so convoluted you can't go anywhere fast! I stopped to pick up a few supplies at the shop in Portobello and wished that I'd shopped in Dunedin! I pottered along the coast, stopping at picturesque spots and taking photos between the rain showers. Still too early to check into my accommodation I visited the Royal Albatross Centre and went on a tour to see the breeding grounds of these incredibly majestic birds. The rain was lashing down and the wind blowing a hoolie, but the birds undeterred. At one point there were 11 birds in flight (most of then were sitting down incubating their eggs). Also saw spotted shags and Stewart Island shags. No pics yet as mobiles not allowed. However, the information centre did answer a long unanswered question about penguins (see pics for answer!).

I arrived at Penguin Place Lodge in the rain and was given the key to my billy basic room. The local campsite is closed due to flooding so it was a good call! I've been chatting to a German/polish couple whilst cooking supper so it's been ok.

My plan for tomorrow is to do some walking, but we'll have to see what the weather brings.