The next port of call on our trip around the bottom of the South Island was literally the bottom. Well almost. Close enough to not matter.
If our destination of Invercargill gives you the impression of a Scottish themed location, that’s nothing compared to the journey from Lake Manapouri. Empty roads, towering mountains and lonely glens for all the world look and feel like Scotland.
As for Invercargill, many streets in the city, especially in the centre and main shopping district, are named after rivers in Scotland. These include the main streets Dee and Tay, as well as those named after the Tweed, Forth, Tyne, Esk, Don, Ness, Yarrow, Spey, Eye and Ythan rivers, amongst others.
It will be no surprise then to learn that this part of New Zealand was inhabited by Scots - to the extent that traces of Scottish speech can still be heard in the local dialects.
But it wasn’t the connection with northern Britain that brought us here. Nope, it was for the most southerly parkrun in New Zealand and arguably the world. Arguably because there is now a weekly event in the Falkland Isles. I’m not convinced that one should count. But I would say that though. It is probably one of most beautiful courses in New Zealand, short sections of paths and gravel trails all surrounded by trees and flower beds. And a nice and straight final 1km. Nothing like a simple and potentially fast finish.
The other reason to come down this way was to head out to Bluff, the most southerly town in Aotearoa. There isn’t a lot to see in Bluff, although it is the centre on the New Zealand oyster industry. If that’s your thing. Yuk I say! I honestly don’t see the attraction in swallowing slimy gloop. Whoever convinced the general public to consider these to be such a delicacy should get an award.
Passing by the few shops that constitute Bluff’s town centre and very soon you arrive at Stirling Point. Although this is it the most southerly part of New Zealand, it is the start (or end depending on your preference) of the long distance Te Araroa hiking trail.
Stretching around 3,000 kilometres along the length of the country's two main islands between Cape Reinga in the north and Bluff in the south, it’s quite some undertaking and normally takes around three to four months to complete. Some years ago we visited Cape Reinga so with having visited the two end points, there’s only the bits in between to complete!
The scenery here is stunning, albeit somewhat cooler than we are used to. Deep blue ocean, white rocks and greenery combine to create a perfect coastal scene.
It’s one of those places that I am pleased to say we have visited, but there’s no real reason to reprint, unless of course one of us loses their senses and decides to take in the Te Araroa trail. Hmm, maybe next year.
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