Stewart Island

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As you all probably know, NZ has more sheep than people, so it seemed appropriate that we visit a sheep farm during our time here, especially in the South Island where it has got a whole lot more sheepy than the North. We started our tour at 7.30am this morning and got to feed two lambs and I gave a very cute calf called cappucino its morning milk. We watched some of the sheep dogs round up the sheep and bring them into the shearing pen. People also got the chance to try and separate the sheep out which is hard when they are all galloping along after each other. The highlight had to be the sheep shearing. It was impressive to watch the farmers and the sheep were remarkably well behaved. Everyone who tried did a good job and no sheep were harmed thankfully. We had breakfast on the farm before heading to Bluff, one of the most southerly points of the South Island. Here we caught the ferry to Stewart Island, the third largest NZ island. I didn't realise but the Foveaux Straight, the water dividing South Island from Stewart Island has a reputation for being one of the roughest waters to cross. And of course today was VERY windy. The bus driver took great delight in telling us how bad it would be...and he was right! Oh my goodness! It was Boston whale-watching revisted although even rougher! The waves were huge! A lot of people were ill. Shashi of course was absolutely fine. I didn't feel great but made it. The woman behind me was crying she was so scared. In theory watching the horizon helps but most of the time you couldn't see it because of the angle of the boat or the amount of spray on the windows. I tried and also had a cold towel on my neck, one ear plug and had taken a travel tablet. Everyone was glad to arrive. Apparently, 3 out of 7 days are rougher, but that has to be a lie. I can't see how it can be worse short of capsizing!!
Anyway, it was lunchtime when we arrived so chilled out at our cottage before exploring. The capital of Stewart Island is Oban, which caused much excitment for one of my travel friends who grew up there (David - I got photographic evidence of the sign). It's very cold here compared to the rest of NZ (not to UK) but the rain stopped, allowing us to go on several walks. There are native kiwis here and a lot of Kakas. A lot of the Island is national park with few roads so it's a great place for exploring the wildlife and woodland. We walked for a few hours and headed to the island's small pub to rest. I spent the day with Shashi and two other girls from the Stray bus. Men outnumber women ten to one here so we got lots of attention. Shame most of the men are so old and hairy! Also had fab blue cod and chips for dinner. I am loving all the fresh fish everywhere. Sweet!

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Photos

Stewart Island
The other Oban

Sheep shearing
When in New Zealand....

Comments

[Jen]

Don't skim read!
I just started to try and skim read this post coz time in internet cafe running out and for a second I thought it said "I gave a lamb half a capuccino"! Think I'll come back and read this properly tomorrow when I have more time!

[Jen]

re-read
Ah, read this properly now! Glad to hear no sheep got harmed with the shearing, remember some leaving bleeding when the Oz experience bus stopped at a sheep station in New South Wales! Was nasty :-( Funny seeing you write 'sweet' all the time! You sound like a real New Zealander! Xxx