Southland

Southland

The southern-most region of the South Island, Southland contains rich farmland and conservation areas, such as the Catlins and Fiordland. Invercargill is the major city (pop about 52,000) situated on the Oreti River. It was my base for four days to explore the city and environs and have a trip to Stewart Island. I even saw an aurora australis whilst I was there!

	Lots of activities are available in this part of Southland. Just look at the board!
	A most famous landmark in Invercargill - the Watertower. Here viewed looking up Leet Street.
	Invercargill Town Hall: a fine and tastefully decorated example of Victorian architecture.
	The old Bank of New South Wales building - an unexpected sight in Invercargill
	Otepuni Gardens, flowers and a bridge over the Otepuni River that runs through it
	Another view of the Otepuni Gardens with sundial in the foreground and St Mary's Basilica in the background
	St Mary's Basilica framed by some of the flora in the Otepuni Gardens
	The old Post Office building reassigned as serviced rental apartments
	Whilst out at Bushy Point I noticed this dark cloud on the horizon. Here's the cause.
	The "Ship's Graveyard" near Bluff with the town and hilly peninsula in the distance. Wooden ships were scuttled here and left to rot. Wrecks of five vessels are visible in this image
	The wreck of the steamer "Savaii". All that remains are the ribs and the rusting iron boiler
	Another vessel left to the elements
	Waipapa Lighthouse. Built in 1884 after the passenger ship, Tararua, ran aground on the reef with the loss of 131 lives; the worst civilian naval disaster in New Zealand's history.
	Slope Point, the most southerly point on the South Island. A view of the coastline at Slope Point.
	Curio Bay and the petrified forest that is revealed at low tide. A tree in close-up.
	A lot of rusty horseshoes were on this fence at Tokanui. Must be a very lucky part of the world!