Niagara Falls – New Zealand Version

Total Nights and Distance Travelled on Tour to Date = 38 Nights & 1815 Kms

We continued our travels through the beautiful Catlins area, past rural farmlands, stands of native podocarp forest, with the rugged coastline and beautiful bays always close by.  It is a delight to be here, and to finally explore this part of our country.  Stopping off at the Florence Hill Lookout, and gazed in awe at the stunning Tautuku Beach with it’s golden sands laid out before us.

Tautuku Beach

We were overnighting at the NZMCA site at Niagara, chosen for it’s proximity to the Niagara Falls.  The falls were closer than we realised, after we had set off on a fool’s errand for several miles down a rough unsealed road.  Backtracking, we then found the sign for the “world famous in New Zealand” falls just across from the camp.  The Niagara Falls were named by a “tongue in cheek” surveyor who had seen the real thing and named these falls after them.  The early settlers took their wool by punt from Niagara Falls to be loaded on to ships at nearby Waikawa.  This spot is very popular place during the whitebait season when people try their luck at for these NZ delicacies.

Niagara Falls

To be absolutely honest, our version of the famous falls leave a lot to be desired.  But it is good for a laugh, and people flock to see just how small they really are.  We were lucky to see the real thing a few years ago, and they were really amazing.  Wonder how many Canadian tourists make a special trip over here to check out our version?

Niagara Falls – NZ style

Arriving back at camp, the cry went up, where are the caravan keys?  .  There they were, hanging in the door, which was still unlocked.  Thank goodness the burglars hadn’t arrived.

Who left these here?

It was a lovely warm afternoon so we all enjoyed a “Devonshire Tea” out in the sunshine.  Dot provided scones with jam and cream.

Anyone for scones?

Waikawa is the spot on the map up the road and has a very pretty white painted little church.  St Mary’s Anglican Church was opened in 1932, and sadly closed in 1994, the building is now owned by the  Waikawa Museum.

St Mary’s Church

Across the road at the Museum they had several outdoor displays.  This engine would have hauled logs to the mill.

Jail and blacksmith’s  buildings

Now, what’s next?  How about a trip to the Petrified Forest, and then we’ll have another go at finding those elusive Yellow Eyed Penguins.

Romany Rambler: Travelled 22,007Km; 383 Total Nights