My plans were not quite as exciting as Lukas's. I first took a lookout from Bluff Hill (which I thought was the most southerly point on mainland New Zealand) across to Stewart Island.
Then a quick detour through Invercargill to stop bye at their new velodrome.
I'd heard from a lot of people that the Catlins coast all the way along to Balclutha was a bit of a "secret gem" - most travelers miss out on it. So I picked up a guide map to all the points of interest and headed for the coast.
Not long before I discovered the true "most southerly point".
Many people traveling on a budget choose to rent campervans and one company seems to dominate the budget market.
From here it was also easy to guess where the prevailing winds came from.
Next stop was one of the many beaches where surfing is popular and the ocean swells are impressive.
Continuing East, I couldn't resist the temptation of stopping to check out the Niagara Falls, apparently named by a local surveyor with a sense of humour.
Next stop was Nugget Point from where you can spot seals, penguins and many species of sea bird.
The Catlins was well worth while at least a day exploring both the coast and the inland hills.
Arrived in Dunedin and could soon see why this is the Edinburgh of the south. Some grand buildings, a grid based road network and Scottish names everywhere, from Portobello to the Waters of Leith.
Got checked in to the backpackers then changed and went out to a very good local Irish bar for food and beer and to hear some live music.
So now I've come all the way around 3 coasts of the South Island - north, west and south - and tomorrow head both north and inland for the final week of this amazing journey.
Today's choice captures the Southern Ocean and if you look close enough and use your imagination you'll see it's the "antarcticorama of the day".
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