New Zealand is one of the furthest countries south. So at the bottom edge there is nothing but water till you reach Antarctica. Stewart Island is part of New Zealand and further, but for main land New Zealand this is the furthest you can go before crossing water. So there have been a few sign posts made that show how far to the South Pole, the Equator, and a few cities.

Slope Point is the actual furthest point south for New Zealand, even though Stirling Point gets more attention. Both were fantastic. Stirling Point was easier to get to with easier roads to travel on. Slope Point is accessed by dirt roads and a farmers field. I grew up on a dirt road and I know after the amount of rain we have been having the roads would be in rough shape and they were. Pot holes all over, a logging company made lots of mud, and the road reminded me of narrow Irish roads. Really cool to look out and know that there is nothing till the snow and cold of Antarctica. 

New York only 15,008km (9325.5 miles) away

Well Antarctica is closer. Bye!

Love to see the word of the Lord being preached because "...with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26

Links guys: this should look familiar

Weird to think that out there is the bottom of Earth.

Having decided to travel to the signs I looked into more things to do in Southland. Not much, but I remembered that the movie The World's Fastest Indian was based upon New Zealander Burt Munro. I looked up where he was from and low and behold Invercargill. A little more searching and I found that Southland Museum and Art Gallery had an exhibit on his accomplishments. I was impressed at what they had there. The motorcycle was on site as well as the shell. You are even allowed to get into the shell. Too bad I did not have anyone to take a picture.

After seeing the exhibit I was surprised at what else was in the museum and the area. There is a Tuatara habitat (tuatara are lizards with ancient beginnings). Lots of old Maori artifacts, ships and crews, a Victoriana exhibit, and a large park called Queens Park. I was really shocked at the sight of Queens Park. This park spans almost 80 hectares (197 acres) loaded with Subantarctic and rose gardens, animals, sculptures, and even a golf course. I could have spent more time here and would have if I had know about the park. Overall a really great place to go to. The road may be boring at times since Southland is flat with lots of farming, little people, and run down buildings, but the 591km (367mile) trip was worth it. 

Tuatara

Maori tools

Whale Bone

Boat with real rocking and swaying

Queens Park entrance

Stop back each day for a new adventure as I drive up the West Coast to Auckland.