On to Dunedin where it's all very SCOTTISH in contrast! A great many Scots settled NZ. Chuck just had to taste and buy Scotch! We visited classic old Olvston mansion, saw the albatross exhibit and several birds, took a tour to see the yellow eyed penguins...the rarest in the world. We did get to see several in their natural habitat off the beach. Then on to the Smith's farmstay and some trout fishing. Chuck got a few bites and one fish that was too small to keep. We enjoyed learning sheep farming and visited very southern Invercargill in 55 knot winds....first town north of the Antartic!!! Then back to Dunedin for the one day Taieri Gorge Train Adventure inland.

We were very impressed with the Haast River highway pass....one of the most remarkably astounding drive we have ever seen viewing the snow covered Southern Alps. We camped in what we found out was the very worst area in the world for sandflies...worse than mosquitos...INDUCED INSANITY! In Hokitika we stopped and bought jade...or "greenstone" as the Maories call it. The deposits are uncovered by glacier activity. Much of the exotic nature of this island is due to the earth faults and volcanic geology but especially attractive is the moist lushness of the greenery on every hike. We whisked through Nelson, missing Abel Tasmin Park, to get to our lodge in Marlboro Sound for a few relaxing days to end a great month.

We plan to return next year from Australia and finish seeing the sights we missed.