Today we have done two of the things we really wanted to do
last time we were in NZ but couldn't fit them in. Firstly we travelled on the Taieri Gorge Railway and secondly we went to see the Moeraki Marbles.

Before embarking on the railway journey we returned to our favourite Dunedin cafe (from yesterday) and bought another cake and veggie scones for lunch. When I say cake I mean a cup cake sized one, just in case you think we have become totally cake obsessed! The ginger slice we bought yesterday was excellent though!

The train took us right up the Taieri Gorge through tunnels and over seemingly ricketty bridges up to a place called Pukerangi. I say place but if the railway hadn't stopped there it wouldn't exist.

The scenery was great varying from steep sided gorge to extensive plains. We spotted some wild goats and several raptors but not sure what they were. Steve spent a lot of time in the observation car with his photography kit!

Typical gorge view

The plain at Pukerangi

Once back in Dunedin we set off north to see the Moeraki Marbles. It is hard to describe exactly what they are or how they were formed so a photo may help! Basically they are big, perfectly spherical rocks on a beach not far from here! They are  weird but well worth a visit and qualify for today's quirky activity!

On the way up there we stopped off to see some seals basking on the rocks. The sea was quite rough but the coastline is very beautiful and despite a chilly wind it was worth the detour. On the way back we went via Trotter's Gorge to see the limestone formations, including some caves. This necessitated a walk through typical New Zealand forest which helps you understand why the fern leaf is their national symbol. We think fern is bracken but they have taken fern to whole new heights in their tree ferns!

Tonight we went to a local Asian cuisine restaurant and had a very enjoyable meal but couldn't manage to finish it as it was so big!

The weather has been distinctly English summer today - warmish at times but fairly cloudy and with mistiness on the hilltops. Latterly it has got a bit chilly but I guess its still a good deal warmer than you are experiencing so we mustn't complain!