We took the Southern Scenic Route to Invercargill. I am sure it is called that for a reason but it rained and winded so we really did not see too much of our surroundings . We did however see a LOT of sheep and the girls were very pleased about this. As a result of the trip so far the girls love sheep and dolphins.
Anyway we stopped at Clifden Suspension Bridge which is quite interesting because it is really very ordinary but is a main tourist attraction. We decided to skip the totara tree walk as it was far too miserable a day for that. We drove onto Totara and had a poke around the Bushman's museum. This was a 1 room effort within the information centre but well done with a replica shack and a couple of bushman stories. It was interesting that Alex was fascinated by the objects on display where Elizabeth preferred the gravel they were sitting on. We had a nice chat with the gentleman from the information office who gave us some local knowledge on good things to do.
Moving on through the misty roads we stopped at McCrackens Rest for a view of the windswept coast. It was clear to the coast has a prevailing onshore wind as the trees were all growing bent. We did not stop long as it was windy and cold. We eventually reached Riveton and fortunately successfully found the museum in time for Alex to have a wee. We went through the museum which started with a good film about the early years of the area. Alex was not happy about the tour as it involved the dark as the lights only came on when we reached each area. The museum was so quiet when we were there and we were surprised as it was really interesting and again very well done and with a focus on local history. The TV loop of residents memories was fascinating. David particulary liked the one from an old lady who had put together a red cross parcel for the troops in WW2, the parcel was sent to Egypt but arrived after the troops left, it was then sent to France and distributed to the troops by chucking them out of a train window. The one she sent was caught by her brother. Amazing !
We then decided to grab some lunch and went eventually to the Beachhouse café and had a lovely lunch. I had a huge bowl of seafood chowder.
We then drove to Invercargill and booked into the Balmoral Lodge, what a lovely motel ! The night continued to be mucky so I popped out to the supermarket and to Liquorland for supplies for Stewart Island. The fridge in the apartment had a small freezer area so I could freeze a 2pt carton of milk and the mince to act as ice blocks for the journey.
This was the first time I found a supermarket to be pretty poor in terms of selection, simple things like a decent stir fry vegetable pack and fresh bakery products. It was also really annoying that it did not sell alcohol.
I hate the way wine is packed into a paper bag, makes me feel like a wino.
On the TV there are far more adverts for farming products here.