South Island: Day Three

Exploring Dunedin

CamperCo had arranged for a local garage to fix our noisy fridge and kaput cigarette lighter. All we had to do was entertain ourselves until it was ready. Thus the day was spent wandering around Dunedin, possibly a blessing in disguise since it rained for the majority of it.

Started our tour at Dunedin's railway station and incidentally New Zealand's most photographed building. We could see why and following the herd, grab a few photos ourselves, and here they are.

The station has a small art gallery on the first floor; lots of local artists have their work displayed here and some of it is very good. Amanda buys a tongue in cheek fridge magnet depicting what looks like Elvis and a voluptuous admirer on camping trip. we then wander on to the Dunedin Art gallery, the highlight of which was some Hokusai originals - sweet!

Followed our art fix with a caffeine fix at a hip little independent roaster; "Strictly Coffee". Great coffee and a cool vibe; we meet a local here on his lunch break. He's lived in both Brighton and Auckland, but recently returned home to Dunedin. A fellow ginger, so obviously he was top. Left us with some local knowledge before he departed.

Lunch was had at the amazing "The Perc"; bountiful and cheap, yet very tasty. Camper still not ready and rain still falling so remain indoors; now in the Settlers Museum. Apparently, Dunedin is the new Edinburgh. A wonderful custom built camper is display from the 1940s - built by an enthusiast and complete with a range!

Rain has died off allowing us to wander the streets without getting drenched. Probably the most "British" feeling town in New Zealand, owing to it's architecture -very reminiscent of Edinburgh - and the rain! Does need more parks though and the Octagon in the city center should be pedestrianised - they are missing a trick there.

Final stop before picking up our ride, is the Speights Ale House. Grab a "Distinction Ale" a red number not unlike Mac's "Sassy Red"; not seen this up North unfortunately. They also have a nice sounding Porter too, but picking up the van precludes trying it.

Capable of charging our phones and with a silent fridge fan, we head back to the campsite. Fix a brew then walk to the nearby beach. Pounding surf coming in with clean fresh air. It's chilly in the strong wind though and before long we are heading back to cook dinner; the hot Auckland summer seems an age ago.