The Catlins (sometimes referred to as The Catlins Coast) comprises an area in the southeastern corner of the South Island of New Zealand. The area lies between Balclutha and Invercargill, straddling the boundary between the Otago and Southland regions. It includes the South Island's southernmost point, Slope Point.
A rugged, sparsely populated area, the Catlins features a scenic coastal landscape and dense temperate rainforest, both of which harbour many endangered species of birds, most notably the rare yellow-eyed penguin. The coast attracts numerous marine mammals, among them New Zealand fur seals and Hooker's sea lions. In general terms the area enjoys a maritime temperate climate. Its exposed location leads to its frequently wild weather and heavy ocean swells, which are an attraction to big-wave surfers, and have also caused numerous shipwrecks.
After our lunch stop in Invercargill, we headed further south to see some sights along the Catlins Coast. There was more to see and do than we had time or energy to do, so we just did what we could. Our first stop was Waipapa Point. There was a beautful lighthouse there.
The coastline of the Catlins is notoriously dangerous, and there have been many shipwrecks in the region. The most notable of these, and also one of New Zealand's worst shipping disasters, was the wreck of the passenger steamer Tararua, en route from Port Chalmers to Melbourne via Bluff, which foundered off Waipapa Point on 29 April 1881 with the loss of all but 20 of the 151 people aboard.
A lighthouse was built on the point in response to the tragedy; it began operating in 1884. With its sibling, the retired Kaipara North Head lighthouse, this was one of the last two wooden lighthouses built in New Zealand. It is still active, and was automated in 1976.
It was very beautiful but extremely winding when we were there. We walked around the lighthouse and down off the edge to explore the beach area. We had seen a sea lion from the top and wanted a better look at it so we went down to get a close up and see the waves and look for rocks and shells.
Love this picture. You can see Kayla's ponytail whipping in the wind.
There is a seal in the background. This one surprised us. We didn't even know this one was here until we nearly walked up on it. They are so sleepy. They don't even move when you are walking around them. This one looked especially dead. We saw it's feet moving so we knew it wasn't, but it looked very sunken in.
When we got around to the side of the point that had real sand and not just rocks the wind was really blowing. This was a memorable place because the wind was blowing so hard that the sand was blowing really hard on our ankles and legs. It was like pins jabbing into your legs. It hurt so bad. You can tell how uncomfortable we were in the pictures of Ava. Her face tells the story. So funny!!
We found some better looking sea lions on this side of the point. Alyssa got in close for a picture.
No comments:
Post a Comment