The Catlins

If you have ever watched TVNZ's documentary series "South" hosted by Marcus Lush, you will clearly understand why Teagan and I took off down to the Catlins on the cold side of Autumn.  We only had time to spend two days on the coast and saw only a minute fraction of what was on offer.

We based ourselves at the Pounawea Motorcamp.  Our cabin (and literally just a cabin) had a huge picture window facing out on to the estuary with Tui's by the many dozen swooping about.  A superb spot to stay at!

Teagan extended her limited walking capacity (was born with lazy-strop-itis syndrome) to walk along the Kaka point beach and take the exceptionally sedate walk/climb up to the Nugget Point lighthouse http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nugget_Point where we managed to spot spoonbills and fur seals.  The next day we went out on our mission to find a Hooker Sea Lion and were not disappointed.  Enroute (via an absolutely non-logical but purposeful deviation) we walked through Tunnel Hill - it was incredible to think that there was ever a purposeful train line serving the area.

We finished off our trip with a visit to Invercargill to see Henry our favourite Tuatara!! Teagan was not disappointed as Henry was at the front of his enclosure.

The Catlins are a MUST SEE break for any family, especially Kiwi Kids.  We will be back there staying in the motor camp as Teagan gets older and gains more value from exploring the region.