Monkey Island to Manapouri -

Thursday 29 May

Still waiting for the forecast stormy weather to roll in - but a pretty decent morning in Orepuki Bay when we awoke. Louis sent up the drone as for once there were no prohibitions… look forward to seeing the footage it shot! I took a wander inland to look at the bizarre house along the road - called, rather obviously, The Turrets.

We left Monkey Island freedom camp mid morning and headed towards Fiordland. The clouds and skies along the way were quite variable - with definite hints of the incoming bad weather. Quick stop at Tuatapere to buy some of their famous sausages for lunch and pose by their inappropriate mascot, then on past the historic 1899 Clifden Suspension Bridge to Manapouri and our favourite NZMCA campsite. This place is amazing - NZMCA took on an old holiday park and it is now $5 pp per night, plus power on about 20 pitches (extra $10 for that) with a full amenities block including kitchen, living room & TV, gathering space, bathrooms with showers and a laundry. Most NZMCA places just have a spot to camp, a shed to register, water on site and occasionally power stands.

After settling in, lunch and a siesta, Louis and I went out on the bikes down to Pearl Harbour and along the lakefront. Named in honour of the bombed Hawaiian port in 1941, this peaceful spot is on the outlet from Lake Manapouri into the Wainui River and tourist ferries, ferries for the Meridian power workers and general recreational boats all moor up there. It was so still this afternoon and the reflections of the beech forest were stunning.

Further along the shore line in front of Manapouri township Louis stopped to check how cold the water was - answer = VERY! Then he cycled on and I hung out at the lake enjoying its beauty & waiting for sunset.

However, the sun set extremely swiftly behind the peeks, half an hour ahead of schedule so Abby, Harley and I ended up walking around the stream habitat at Home Creek in encroaching darkness as the sky performed a dazzling post-sunset display. We loved meeting Ralph and Diesel along the way - a pair of beautiful Collie/GSP cross brothers. Harley was less impressed as Diesel kept trying to hump him!

Back at camp - chicken for dinner in the Moho then an abortive hunt for Louis’ raincoat ahead of tomorrow’s forecast stormy weather 😐 Fingers crossed we can find it in the morning! 🤞