I have become a bit penguin obsessed since reading blog posts by my friends Jenny of S/V Full Monty and Kirsten of S/V Sihouette who both sailed to New Zealand before me.
Penguins on the Lava Tunnels in Galapagos – Image Courtesy The Captain
While The Captain and I did enjoy the company of penguins in Galapagos in 2013, I had not yet had my friends’ good fortune to see penguins in New Zealand.
That is, until we traveled along the South Coast on our way to Dunedin.
Yellow-Eyed Penguin Chick
After we left Bluff, I referenced the Campermate App to find a place to camp in the Catlins. And lo and behold, Curio Bay offered inexpensive camping AND a free opportunity to view yellow-eyed penguins in the wild. While I have yet to find a free view of the blue penguins that Jenny and Kirsten wrote about, it was a pleasure to happen upon these lovely creatures.
Yellow-Eyed Penguin Chick
The next morning, we left Curio Bay and headed toward Dunedin along Highway 1 in search of a bit of city life and street art.
Along Hwy 1 – Lost Gypsy In The Catlins
In Dunedin, we stayed at the very affordable and comfortable Hogwartz Backpackers, fully equipped with a kitchen (making The Captain/Chef very happy).
Hogwartz
During our visit in Dunedin, we found some great street art, from murals…..
Dunedin Street Art By Be Free
….to trees with style……
It Get’s So Cold Here In The Summer Even The Trees Need Sweaters
…..to traffic signal boxes with penguins!
Voyaging Penguins
Other highlights included a tour of the historic Dunedin Railway Station.
Reflections of Dunedin Railway Station
Descent To The Depths Of The Dunedin Railway Station
…. a drive up Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest residential street….
View From A Top Baldwin Street
Given Grief By Resident Canadians (Marty and Woniya) For Driving To The Top
… and provisioning at the Cadbury Chocolate Factory.
Chocolate!
We also drove out along the Otago Pennisula, but too late in the day for any good snaps.
Next up….Dunedin to Christchurch
JF February 6, 2015
Wonderful post and photos!
Lisa Dorenfest February 6, 2015 — Post Author
You are lovely to say so 🙂
Terri Webster Schrandt February 6, 2015
Such a beautiful collection of photos! Just love the penguins and the sweater tree 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest February 6, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much Terri! I feel very lucky to have been able to photograph the penguins. And thank goodness the tree had a sweater – it was 7 degrees centigrade here overnight. Brrr
yprior1 February 6, 2015
really enjoyed the variety in this post – the art in the tree and street art was my fav – but I think each photo give s feel for the blogger too – and now I have seen the steepest residential street int he world (would have guessed san francisco on that one) but thanks for that.
stay safe and happy travels.
Lisa Dorenfest February 6, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so much Yvette! New Zealand offers such great variety!
yprior1 February 13, 2015
🙂 – yes- it looks like a very special place –
Susi February 7, 2015
Love all the photos. Your pic are getting better and better! I appreciate you taking the time to shRe all this with us.Aloha, susi
Lisa Dorenfest February 7, 2015 — Post Author
You are lovely to say so Susi! Would love to have you in some of my upcoming photos of New Zealand. Come visit 🙂
brittabottle February 9, 2015
Fantastic photos, Lisa! Love the penguins. 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest February 10, 2015 — Post Author
I am thrilled that you like the photos Britta! Thank you!
dunelight February 10, 2015
Great photo essay but that carrion as street art/signage..wow.
Lisa Dorenfest February 10, 2015 — Post Author
Glad you liked it! Wish the light (or the photographer 😉 had been better, but I so loved the subject that I posted it anyhow.
rosemaylily2014 February 11, 2015
Wonderful photos of your trip Lisa – the penguins are so cute 🙂 I thought my cousin whose house sits perched on a hill in Wellington, lives in the world’s steepest residential street,but this one certainly looks a big climb! Hope the rest of your trip goes well and look forward to more photos 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest February 11, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so very much for traveling with me virtually Rosemary. It is a pleasure to receive your lovely feedback on my blog and I love learning about places that I have yet to travel on your blog Looking forward to more virtual adventures together.
MiaMusings February 11, 2015
Amazing pictures. There are similar signs about penguins in Boulders’ beach in South Africa!
Lisa Dorenfest February 11, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Mia! I am so looking forward to sailing to South Africa someday and seeing those signs (and the really beautiful penguins they are protecting). Your blog will certainly serve as a wonderful guide post of things to see when I get there.
luciledegodoy February 27, 2015
And you give us again beautiful street art and Penguins! With a lovely narrative. Thank you!
Lisa Dorenfest February 27, 2015 — Post Author
New Zealand offers some of the most amazing street art I have photographed to date with incredibly talented local and visiting artists. It is fun to get to know their work.
And the Penguins are quite a treat! I still have yet to see a little blue Penguin but I am hoping to on our upcoming sail to Tauranga!
fantasticbetty2014 March 2, 2015
Looks like a beautiful place – I hope I get to see it some day!! Your post initially caught my eye because there is a town, not very far from me called Dunedin here on the Gulf Coast of Florida, US!!
Enjoyed your photos!!
Lisa Dorenfest March 3, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you for having a read and for your lovely compliment!
I became aware of Dunedin, Florida while traveling in Dunedin, New Zealand because every time I would try to look up restaurant while visiting, Google would suggest restaurants in Florida :-). I love the Gulf Coast! Have family near Sarasota. You are lucky to live there.
I hope that you get to visit New Zealand some day!
Hacky March 5, 2015
wow – looks like a lot of fun!!
Lisa Dorenfest March 5, 2015 — Post Author
It really was a good time Joe! New Zealand is a beautiful place. BTW – I’ve seen a few magicians performing on the streets here and they always makes me think of you 🙂