April 19 - Omarama

 We are in the centre of the South Island, south of mount cook and north of Queenstown.  We are going to do a bit of zigzagging for the next few days to try and see everything before we leave….and also there aren’t roads everywhere due to the mountains!!!  

Yesterday morning we went looking for penguins but didn’t see any.  They are on the East coast, and we will try to get back there before returning the car.  We headed inland with gorgeous scenery…so green hills, some treed hills, lots of sheep and some cattle.  Further inland it’s dryer.  Few trees, short shrubs and grass that’s yellow.  Stark contrast to the lush green of the west coast.  

We passed a few lakes and stopped to see them.  Many of the leaves are turning yellow, certainly the start of autumn here, and it has cooled off for now.  The upper hills have received a dusting of snow.  We had cloudy weather yesterday, and just a few sprinkles of rain.  I’m glad for the heat in the car!!!  

Tomorrow we are heading south.  

This is where we are located 

It’s autumn here

Stopped at this gorgeous beach to try to see the baby blue penguins…no luck.  

They certainly know how to serve tea here in New Zealand.  I’m always offered milk…not cream.  Tea in a pot, and here I was provided with a sand timer….5 minutes to steep my tea!