Danseys Pass Coach Inn

Leaving Naseby, we spotted a signpost that said "Danseys Pass" and decided to head in that direction. Before long we came across this mob of merino sheep being driven along the road.

We stopped and waited for them to go around us. At first they approached confidently . . .

. . . and then they stopped as if they weren't too sure which way to go. Checking out their options!

But the dogs soon got them moving again and in no time at all they were past us. 

In a few places along the way, there were these interesting cliffs, usually alongside a river. I think the dark patches are because they're wet. There's been a lot of rain just lately.

Hoping that wasn't too important . . . 

There are two or three of these narrow bridges along the way. I think we could probably have fitted our rig across as it's high enough to travel over these concrete edges, but a wider or lower motorhome might have a problem squeezing through.

When we arrived at Kyeburn Diggings, we noticed this interesting old sign.

Then we came across the Danseys Pass Coach Inn (previously the Dansey Pass Hotel). What an unexpected surprise! This right end is the accommodation (about 17 rooms) and was built in 1862.

This left end, the bar and a huge lounge area, was built in the 1900s. The restaurant is to the right, between the bar and the accommodation.

As we walked in the door, our reaction was, "Wow!". This impressive room exuded character. From the huge fireplace and exposed beams to the wooden floors with leather armchairs and couches—the whole room was warm and welcoming, as were the host, Mark, and his partner AJ.

Mark convinced Dave to sample the local beer—Scotts—an Oamaru brew. Yes, he liked it. Both the dark and the lighter ales were very enjoyable. And I'd give the coffee a "10". Delicious!

We made ourselves comfy in front of this magnificent fireplace at the far end of the room and spent the next half hour or so chatting with AJ, learning about the area and this building.

This section was built using beams from the old Shacklock Factory in Dunedin.

The comfortable, mismatched, old-fashioned chairs added to the charm of the room, which was built with locally produced bricks. There were beautiful brass fittings on the wooden window frames and polished wood floors with lovely Persian style rugs scattered around.

You can read more about the Danseys Pass Coach Inn here.

The inn is right on the main road, with space for parking across the other side of the road. There's a stream down behind where we're parked with a bridge across it and some ruins off to the left. A perfect venue for a wedding—and I understand they've had two or three here.

We travelled a slightly different route back to Ranfurly, seeing more of these cliffs along the way.

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Tokanui Tavern

We parked up in the car park of this tavern for a few days. There's nothing all that outstanding about it other than the people, who were so friendly and welcoming, and the fact that it was a perfectly located base as we explored this part of the Catlins. And I wanted to remember it, so as this blog is also our travel diary . .  here it is! :)

On one of the first nights we were here, a bunch of people were sitting out on this porch having a great time singing along to ukeleles. Another night, Dave called me from the tavern telling me to join him inside as there were a couple of locals (brother and sister) playing a guitar and singing Country and Western songs in the bar. Apparently they've won a lot of awards and often give impromptu casual "performances".

We were parked off to the left of this photo—out of the way of the locals. There was more space around the far side of the tavern where other motorhomes parked, so we pretty much had this side to ourselves.

Across the road was the dump station and recycling centre. Very handy and extremely well used. These two Houdini sheep obviously escaped the docking. They were hanging around the recycling centre when we arrived and still wandering around the roads enjoying their freedom until the day we left.

 Partners in crime :)

Moving on to Invercargill.

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Ealing NZMCA

Ealing NZMCA Park is just off Highway 1 south of Ashburton, and not far from Geraldine. Another spacious grassy area, but no facilities other than clothes lines.

Between the highway and the park is a railway line.

And just before you take this right turn corner towards Ealing NZMCA Park, there's a glimpse of snow on the mountains in the distance. It was cold last night!

At the next corner, a tree has been planted as a memorial to a local hero—a 24-year-old Lancaster bomber pilot who died over Germany during World War II.

The entrance.

This building on the property that acts as a common room and a place to gather indoors was once a church. And yes, that's a gravestone to the left of the building.

Inside, you can see the built-in lectern in the corner.

This wonderful yellow bus caught my eye at Ealing. The next day we met the owners: Ruth & Nev.

As you know, we travel with Lucy. These caravanners had three small kittens and a bird. It's the first time I've seen anyone travelling with a bird.

Just over the fence, new neighbours.

And nearby, a paddock with a few sheep in it. These ones had plenty of wool on them—they looked a bit overdue for a shear! In spite of seeing sheep here and there, there seem to be a lot of dairy units around this region.

There we are! Towards the left . . . and Dave's off chatting to the man from the motorhome next door.

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