Easter – 2016 |

We decided to visit one of our favorite places for Easter – Papatowai in the Catlins. The DOC camp was quite busy which we hadn’t expected, the last time we stayed there were only about four other groups staying there. The weather was good, overcast at times but warm enough.

Papatowai inlet – the camping ground is a few minutes walk from here.

We had a drive to Wyndam, down the back road – mostly unsealed but interesting and we hadn’t been right through to Whyndam on this road. A fuel stop at Whyndam – and the dogs had a good run at the domain, then back down the same road but we turned off on another gravel road towards Waikawa and Curio bay. Lunch at the famous fish and chip caravan at Waikawa and another run for the dogs. We then headed to Curio Bay, where we were surprised to see dolphins swimming in the waves – it’s very hard to get photos of dolphins!!! I’ve added a couple of photos, not very clear but if you look closely you will see them.

Beautiful Curio Bay – see other post

One of the dolphins swimming back out after surfing the waves – there were about 6 of them. Its so hard to get photos of dolphins!!! It’s times like this I wish I had a telephoto lens but then most of the time I wouldn’t want to carry one around. Looking North from the Florence Hill Lookout just South of PapatowaiLooking South from the Florence Hill lookout (just South of Papatowai) over Tautuku Bay, Beach and Tautuaku Peninsular. Beautiful Tautuku beachTautuaku Peninsular was the site of a whaling station 1839 – 1845. Now it is a residential area only accessible by 4 wheel drive or tractor along Tautuku Beach.

Tautuku beach – looking North Happy dogs but they forgot the tennis balls!!!! It didn’t matter they just chased each other around. Tautuku Beach Purakaunui Bay – another favorite spot. See other post Purakaunui Bay – see other post Pounawea – looking towards Newhaven and Surat Bay – see other postsPounawea – looking towards Newhaven, Surat Bay and the Catlins Head – see other posts