2 Geckos Travelling Australia

Continued on SH1 towards Dunedin. Lots of old rock fences.

Back in open farming country again with rolling hills.

Stopped at Totara Estate - In 1882 the first frozen meat was sent from here to Great Britain on the sailing ship, ‘Dunedin’.

Through a few homes and tavern of Maheno. Nice views through here.

Continued on through more homes in Herbert. Turned onto Breakneck Road - lots of pine plantations here. Some areas are being logged.

A few rural properties and Herbert Forest Campground which looks very nice. Down a narrow road down to the Waianakarua River and Grave’s Dam bridge. The old limestone masonry dam wall was built in 1870 - interesting history. It was stabilised in 1998. Beautiful clear water but apparently not healthy to swim in because of the Black-backed Gulls pooping.

Didn’t worry a chap and his 2 kids who had been mountain-biking. They jumped in for a swim and said it was cold but refreshing. No trout visible.

We had a cuppa then headed back out. Cute - Big Chook and Egg hedge.

Through another nice little town of Hampden then on a bit to the turn off to Moeraki Boulders on the coast. Geological marvels that began to form about 60 millions years ago or as the Maori ‘history’ story, things from the capsized canoe. The boulders were exposed by erosion of sedimentary rocks over time and now stand along the beach as though they are sentinels guarding the coastline.

Great aerial photo of Waitaki River that has all the power stations along it.

We headed along Koekohe Beach where lots of Pied and Black Oyster-catchers, Black-backed Gulls and a silver gull were. Looking back to Moeraki township.

Easy to see where the boulders are but the collection of people further along the beach. I’m waiting for a wave so I can say I have touched the Pacific Ocean.

High bank here. The boulders were definitely something different. Quite unique and pretty with the crystals inside etc.

We spotted one still in the bank.

Certainly worthy of lots of photos! Amazing that they are just in this one spot.

Headed up the steps for the Forest walk. Found another boulder just off the path.

Spotted a ‘bunny’ as we reached the Cafe area. On the other side of the car park was some alpaca (I think) and more bunnies. To think there were only birds in NZ before ‘people’ arrived.

Back down to the beach and back to the camper.

Headed back then into Moeraki Village. Nice flowers and interesting sculpture.

One road closed as it has eroded down the cliff face so followed the detour signs. Up the hill to the lookout - great info and fabulous view.

Back down, better view of the old jetty.

Through the homes and back to the main road then alongside Katiki Beach. Two freedom camps along here under the trees by the beach. The tide is high now so we timed it well to see the boulders.

Another freedom camp (Rest Area) near the turn off to Shag Point. Might come back to that one.

Continued onto the turn off to Shag Point. Narrow road with homes perched on the cliff above and below the road.

Into Matakaea Scenic Reserve - old mining area for Bitumious Coal was on this point. It was first started by whalers in 1830s then officially from 1863 to 1972. The mine was notable for extending under the Pacific Ocean and produced approx 400,000 tonnes of coal over its lifetime. They had challenges with poor ventilation and underground fires. A railway branch operated from 1879 to 1934 to transport the coal. There are still a few air shafts around.

Walked around to the NZ Fur Seal viewing area. There were heaps lying about and a few in having a ‘swim’ - rolling and rubbing themselves etc. Wonderful to watch.

A few spits of rain fell as we walked back. Didn’t notice this one in the bush when we walked past before.

Went around to another spot and found more.

Out to the point where we found some info boards. The continued story of the ‘Waka’ that become a reef off this point. Fossils and about the NZ fur seals.