Auckland — Invercargill— Ettrick. 30th October, 2025

We stayed out near Auckland airport last night to make it easier to avoid the morning traffic rush. Flight was due to leave 9.35am  Sitting in the plane for an hour before take off so hence  making it nearly a three hour trip to Invercargill. Not a good Start. Once we got underway we had a good flight excellent crew. Fine weather so we could see land below. When descending the winds were very strong and making it a very bumpy landing. Captain still did a good landing. The delay getting away was something to do with a data issue. Great weather on arrival apart from the wind. Wasn’t even cold probably warmer than Auckland. We picked up our rental car and got on the road heading north through Gore up to a small place Ettrick where we are having one night. It’s a half way point between Invercargill and Queenstown where we are heading to tomorrow. You will say why go that way. That’s because we have travelled the two alternative routes on previous trips so something different. Also tomorrow we will go through Alexandra Cromwell and Arrowtown stopping at these three places before finishing up in Queenstown.

 

Great flight down snow on the top of the mountains

 

Those are mountain tops down there not all clouds.

Passing through Gore

Some of the tree stumps left behind after the high winds

 Smaller trees that fell. We did see some massive trees that had fallen but didn’t get a chance to take a photo 

Lots and lots of spring lambs in the fields.

Beautiful countryside such a lovely drive through these lush farms.

Lovely scenery in this part of the country. But saying that the whole of the South Island is fantastic.

Continuing along our road trip

We have now arrived in Ettrick staying at this place  on a honey farm. The cottage is called Honey cottage.

Sitting inside looking out over the fields. So quiet and peaceful apart from the howling winds sweeping across. Couldn’t have the bi-fold doors open. The wind just about blew me off the balcony, amazing.

The round shape is a hot tub. Didn’t use it would’ve drowned in it with the high winds.

The farm next door which belongs to the owners brother.

Inside of the cottage

Bed is high from the floor even had a step to get up into it. Might feel a little strange tonight.

 Well that’s our first day after a few issues with my blog giving me some grief doing odd things. Photos that wouldn’t centre and other strange things.  Nearly gave up on it. Just another challenge in the day. Along with a few other things, like delayed flights, rental car pickup which I won’t go into. Apart from that it’s been a great day driving through this beautiful part of the country just stunning.