Room With THE View

After a lie in and some packing, we stocked up with supplies from Mediterranean Market for three days of self catering in The Catlins. This area of New Zealand's South Coast is truly beautiful and sparsely populated. Most of the roads are fantastic because they just finished sealing (tarring) them in 2005, there are still a few gravel roads around as you head to the points of interest on the map but the main road is something you dream of driving an Aston Martin or Porsche on. Smooth, winding and the occasional straight to blow the cobwebs and camper vans away.

Home for the next three nights is The Salthouse, Curio bay. I can't recommend this place enough, we stayed here last year as well and not only does your room open out to this view, you are fully equipped for your stay, they even put a small jug of milk in your fridge on the first night. Large studio rooms, fantastic view, friendly owners, comfy beds... I could go on but you get the picture. It's great.

Once we got settled in, it was time to take the short trip to the petrified forest to watch penguins coming home for the night, arriving around an hour before sunset, we were greeted by a French sounding couple who have decided to change the rules set out by Department of Conservation, telling everyone they are not allowed to stand in certain areas or walk anywhere near where the penguins might come in. I understand they are trying to help penguins get home safely but these penguins have been sharing that area with humans for a long time and signs are up to let people know how to behave around them. I do not appreciate being harassed by anyone, especially those without any form of authority so I gave them a confused continuing onto my perching rock, where we sat last year, and had a great time watching the penguin without disturbing it. Yes, only one penguin tonight.

Tomorrow awaits and the exploring continues....