Central Otago - Wild and Wonderful

We were lucky to spend New Year in splendid isolation in the Oteake Conservation area walking the Hawkdun Ranges and enjoying excellent weather with occasional interesting companions - a Swiss girl cycling round the remoter corners of South Island, a Chinese lad on a five year round the world epic and some very friendly and interesting Kiwis - locals and visitors.

Dusty dirt tracks took us high in to the McKenzie country, the Danesby Pass, Hakataramea and to reach old goldfields the Thomson Gorge Pass which the van managed remarkably well.

Last night we stayed by Lake Onslow half way along a long and remote track where we experienced memorable skies and solitude.

We are now in Dunedin prior to heading for the Catlins and then Invercargill where we hope to see marine wildlife before turning north.

All is well - and the usual extra pics are at

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/sjarratt5/OtagoHikingAndBiking?authkey=Gv1sRgCLfz8PyP9aWXJQ&feat=directlink