7/22-7/23 Charming Dunedin
First thing in the morning, stopped at Fiordland National Park info center and watched video to learn more about the region. We didn't bother to visit anywhere else as we were eager to get to Dunedin to get Ian's broken leg checked out again. Crossing rich farm lands on SH94, we zipped through central Otago in no time.In Dunedin we went to a clinic specializes in cases involved in accidents and with onsite x-ray. The initial diagnose by the doctor wasn't optimistic at all, words like "his cast wasn't done right", "his leg is not in the right position", "it's all wrong" got our hearts thumping. We held our breath until the 1st x-ray result came out indicating his broken bones already have the ends touching n the right positions and healing process was on track. What a RELIEF after going through so many what-if scenarios in our heads. Then orthopedic specialist came and removed the old cast which was all wrong anyways and made a new fiberglass one that is much lighter and is of course "the right position". Another x-ray was taken afterward to make sure the cast was done properly, and crutches replaced with proper height adjustment. 3 hours in the clinic, Ian came out much "light" and was able to crutch around slightly already.
The next day
- Cadbury World - chocolate factory tour. Unfortunately they don't have wheelchair access so Ian couldn't go.
- Botanic Garden - reminds me of the NZ Pavilion in SH EXPO
- Baldwin St - The Steepest Street in the world
When LG went to play golf at "the oldest golf course in NZ" and Ian resting in motel, I took Ethan to walk around downtown which was filled with Victorian and Edwardian building. Indeed Dunedin is "a city of rare charm".
7/24 Beautiful Otago Penisula
After picking up some cupcakes at the weekly farmer's market at Dunedin's Railway Station, we headed out to Otago Peninsula which stretches along the southern edge of the Otago harbour. We drove the scenic harbourside road out to to the tip end of the peninsula, Taiaroa Heads, passing small bays and inlets, sandy beaches, and Portobella village. On the way back, we drove through rugged hills on Highcliff Road which offers great coastal and city views.- Ian did much better with his crutches and thus in good spirits today, so we all visited the only land based Albatross Colony & the disappearing gun at Taiaroa Head. Though the observatory was high up on the hill, Ian was able to get up on an electric scooter supplied by the visitor center. Our tour guide was a Japanese biologist who specializes in birds. The 2hr tour was well worth the time since it was extremely educational and fun.
- Larnach Castle - While Ian had lunch with daddy at the cafe, Ethan and I walked the gardens. Ethan was happy clicking away on the P&S so didn't mind the quick walk at all.
- After passing Dunedin, we continued back on SH1 toward north. At Omaru we stopped for some photos of the well know "white buildings".
- Our final destination is snow capped mountains of Mt. Cook area, Lake Tekapo. It was completely dark when we finally settled into our B&B by the lake.
7/25 Breathtaking Lake Takapo
We waited at the Lakeview Motel until 10:30 for the clouds/fog to clear so we can actually see the lake and snow mountains from the room. But weather wasn't cooperating, and we had to check out. The motel owner Ban recommended us going up to Mt John Observatory since it's 300m higher and might be above the clouds.- Mt John Observatory - spectacular panoramic alpine views and Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki below. Unfortunately clouds were still pretty low and ever-changing. We had coffee and waited around in the Astro Cafe, but again couldn't wait any longer.
- Mt Cook Alpine Salmon - located between Twizel and Lake Tekapo, the worlds highest salmon farm which floats in a hydro electric canal supplied with pristine glacial water from Mt Cook National Park. Kids fed some salmon and we had some fresh salmon sashmi which just scrumptious and unforgettable.
- Clouds finally lifted by the time we returned to Lake Tekapo and the combination scenery of the turquoise lake, the snow covered Southern Alps, the blue sky was simply over-powering.
- Drove across flat farmlands to Christchurch. Picked up some jam and chutney when passing Barker's in Geraldine which is internationally recognized for its fruit products.