Le Petit Chateau: Steep Prices–Even Steeper Street !

Off sightseeing again today and we decided to drive the length of the Peninsula just to have a look. Beautiful sunny day again but we did notice the increased wind flow in Dunedin compared to Mosgiel which seems to enjoy its own micro climate.

Our advice was to go down the right hand side of the peninsula so we programmed the GPS for Portobello and set off. On the way we noticed this interesting sculpture display obviously honouring the dental school here in Dunedin.

Brushed Your Teeth Today ?

We couldn’t actually find any information on the background to the sculptures so carried on our way in ignorance.

The route to Portobello took us right along the top of the hills and wound up and down along quite narrow roads until we arrived at the signpost to Larnach Castle. We thought of driving in to have a look until we saw the sign on the gate with adults at $27 dollars each for entry and even $15 just to drive and see the outside. We did a U turn around the ticket keepers hut, he didn’t seem surprised at our turnaround and I think with those prices he sees it quite often!

Next stop was the Royal Albatross Centre at Tairua Head.

We had a look at the informative displays inside and asked if we could make our own way to the hilltop for a look at the Albatross Colony. No! was the answer but you can join a guided tour for $50 each !! That decision didn’t take long and we left on our way back, stopping on the way for a picnic lunch at one of the many bays along the coastal route back.

A quick drive around the inner city following as best we could the route of the tour bus yesterday to let Dot and Derek see some of the city, and then along to see Baldwin Street (the Worlds Steepest Street) again. The street is rated at 1:2.86 a Guiness World Record!

There was no intention to do anything but take a photo and move on but friends Gill and John back in Wellington had said “you’ve got to do it” so I set off slowly followed by Pauline, Derek and then Dot. How mad were we ? between us we had two heart conditions, one asthmatic and Pauline who is booked in for a hip replacement.

Anyway we slowly made our way to the top of the street not a lot slower than a bunch of young german tourists and stopped for a drink of water and to admire the view from the top. On my way up I met the local postie on his way down the hill delivering mail and asked him who he had pissed off at work to be given this run ! He was happy to reply that he didn’t have to walk up as he came in from the adjoining street and only walked down.