Day 17 – Dunedin to Christchurch

 

Giving birth to a Moeraki Boulder

It was a cold misty morning when we left our friend’s place.  I wanted to fill up with petrol given the price had come down due to the government relieving us of some fuel excise.  On the way to the petrol station, we called into St Clair which is a rather pleasant seaside suburb with a couple of nice cafés one of which, of course, we availed ourselves.  It was lovely looking out at a calm ocean with surfers braving 12 degree water temperatures to indulge in their passion.  

St Clair beach Dunedin

 We then travelled north to Oamaru via Moeraki where we wandered down to the boulders.  For some reason they seem to have shrunk since I was last here or it is that I have got larger?

Some of the boulders

Looking toward Moeraki Village

In Oamaru we called into the Victorian precinct where we had a second cup of coffee and a bite to eat.  It is such a lovely area to wander.  At one point I was taking a photo of Bev standing next to a Penny Farthing when a man came speeding past on one riding it like a road bike, coming to a halt and jumping off it with great agility.  We stood there with our mouths open in amazement at the skill of the rider.  We then visited the Steampunk Museum which was a delight.  The imagination of the sculptor(s) was really something and being able to make things out of old carriages and other pieces was really wonderful.  It is the unexpected and unplanned that makes travelling so much fun. 

After a quick stop to get Whitestone cheese for Bev’s in-laws (with whom we were staying for the next couple of nights) we headed north to Christchurch.  On arrival we were treated to a warm welcome and then a lovely dinner.

A masked Victorian mannequin

Tempted to ride

This was the speedster disappearing into the dust