We followed the east coast up to the Moeraki Boulders, a unique geological curiosity. They are almost perfectly spherical, some 13 feet in circumference, and lie scattered along a remote stretch of the beach. Next stop was Shag Point, where a small colony of rare yellow-eyed penguins can sometimes be seen. Try as we might, we weren't able to catch sight of them, probably it was a bit too early in the afternoon for them to be feeding. We did see a great number of seals lying on the warm rocks and basking in the sunshine. Very lazy fellows. We peered over the edge of the cliff on which we were standing, to find two great big seals lying about 8 feet below us. They weren't bothered by us at all. Then the final leg of our drive, to arrive at Kokonga Lodge, in the Central Otago area. It lies high up but on a plain ringed by mountains. From the lodge, we could see for miles all around. Dorothy and Malcolm are friendly and gracious. We are the only guests and, by arrangement, Dorothy is preparing dinner for us. We wander around the grounds, which are planted much like an English country garden. Malcolm has a particular passion for roses which are in full bloom now. Also, lavender and foxgloves. They also have a productive vegetable garden for Dorothy to use in her delicious creative cooking, as well as fruit trees. They have recently planted more fruit and nut trees for the future. The lodge is modern and situated to take advantage of the magnificent Kakanui mountain range which is visible from all rooms in the lodge. Sunset was marvellous with the mountains and their deep folds continually changing colour. Dinner is a delicious meal with lovely pinot noir from Alexandra, the closest wine growing region.

Tuesday 1 Mar. Dorothy and Malcolm lent us two mountain bicycles, as the lodge backs directly onto the Otago Central Rail Trail, which is a 150K stretch of former railway line that has been restored for use by bikes and horses. From Kokonga Lodge, a 14K ride will take us to the town of Hyde, where there is a café for lunch. It was a good day to cycle, as it was a bit overcast and cool. The trail is dirt and gravel, quite well maintained, with room for two to ride side by side for much of the route. The trail meanders along valleys and up and down some not too difficult inclines. We saw a few other bikers, but more rabbits than any other creatures. We went over a viaduct (I couldn't look down), and through a tunnel en route. At Hyde, the café was teeming with bikers, so we grabbed a table and had a quick lunch. Though Malcolm had said we could call and he would pick us up if it was too much, we were determined, and got back on the bikes and retraced our route, feeling a sense of accomplishment on arriving back at the lodge. Late afternoon we sat on the verandah as the sun had come out and sweaters were not needed, enjoying the changing colours of the distant mountains. There was another guest tonight, a doctor named Daphne who lives not too far away and has stayed at the lodge a number of times. So we were three for dinner, another terrific meal cooked by Dorothy. Malcolm has stocked their cellar with a quite reasonable selection of NZ wines, so he and Robin had an enjoyable chat. We were able to try two different pinot noirs (Hinton and Three Miners) from Central Otago while here.