South Island: Day 8 > Bluff - Riverton - Manapouri

Up early doors as Amanda had a phone interview for a new job. It went well, but, as we all know 8 months later she did not take it.

Learn a new word from the owner of the homestead where we stayed: Piwi - an alternative to Kiwi-Pom.

With the interview over we complete a short coastal walk along stirling point, with great views of Stewart Island on the horizon.

Stop in the very pretty seaside town of Riverton for lunch and a paddle in the bay; very, very cold and I don't stay in too long, thankfully the tide is too far out for a swim!

From Riverton we continue east towards Tuatapere. WOW! As we turn a bend we are offered our first glimpse of Fiordland in the distance. I think Fiordland is New Zealand for many people outside of New Zealand. As honourary Kiwi's we now know there is much more to the place; but that said it really is a gem and we could not wait to get there.

Our progress was somewhat slowed however, by our continually stopping the van to admire the view and grab another photo. Every kilometer the view improved, the vista's made all the more dramatic by the storm clouds on the horizon. They are probably at their best, where we can see the sea in front and the mountains of Fiordland behind it.

The roads here are still more often than not, long and straight and would have been very dull if not for the views; but at least it means we can make good progress. It's a little incongruous seeing towering mountains in the distance and farmland complete with rolled hay bales in front.

Some swallows are playing 'chicken' with us, swooping in front of the van and away again at the last second. Bugs are doing the same in their hundreds; but less successfully and probably not intentionally! We'eve had to wash the windscreen twice today already...

Our amazing day of driving comes to an end after some 225km at the Possum Lodge camp Ground; a cosy little place nestled on the banks of the mammoth Lake Manapouri.

Odometer: 1212K