Steep streets, lumpy beaches and stroppy steampunks.

The kids were thrilled that we were visiting Baldwin Street (the world's steepest street) prior to departing Dunedin. There was a tour bus already there - but it appeared that it had already been there for a while - given its mass of participants were making their way back down the street (in various states of collapse).

The trick for new players is to avoid the street itself, but to instead tackle the stairs on the right - it not only gives you something flat to step on, but the occasional poem along the way. Josh was the keenest of Team Martin, and scampered upwards with his parents lagging just behind.

Despite the presence of a sign clearly indicating that the steeper section of the road is restricted to residents only - a number of vehicles driven by visitors gave the incline a bit of a go. The queue at the very top (waiting for others attempting a three-point turn to come back down) was a little alarming - the gentle aroma of burnt clutch wafted across the valley.

We encountered the same tour bus as we headed north along State Highway 1 towards the Moeraki Boulders - but were able to make the most of the few passing lanes available. The weather was growing quite grim, although had not started raining yet. We leapt out of our car upon arrival and raced down the steps onto the beach itself (staying clear of the in-bound crowd). The tide charts were bang on - all of the boulders were on display, and no swimming was required.

We managed to sneak back inside the car just before the rain started coming down (more of that misty kind, rather than anything substantial). Resuming our way north along SH1 - we soon arrived at the township of Oamaru - known for its fondness, nay obsession for limestone (they call it Oamaru stone around these parts). Oamaru is also known as the Steampunk Capital of New Zealand - the architecture certainly setting the scene nicely.

After finally getting a car parking meter to work - we managed to run into (literally turning a corner and walking into them) a protest march, mid-march! Placards were being brandished, faces were painted, t-shirts all sloganed up. The object of their protest? The impending 5G network. All sorts of dire outcomes were being blamed on the technology that operates at 24-72 GHz wavelengths (ie below the infrared level). One lady with a frog painted on her face assured us she "believed in science", and I actually refrained from replying with "science doesn't care what you believe". I must be getting soft. They eventually collected in front of the Town Hall, clapped and cheered, and went on their way.

Oamaru Town Hall - presumably 5G-free.

Dairy - no scooters left outside in this instance.

Even more Victorian-era limestone buildings awaited us in the Historic District, along with a range of Cafes and touristy shops (one had a horse mask over the head of a mannequin sporting a nightie from the 70s).

Historic District

Yep - more limestone.

To one side of the Historic District was what is known as Steampunk HQ. It had a subtle frontage - easy to miss really. There was an offer of tours, as well as a chance to dress up and get photos - but we thought we'd give it a miss.

Not sure if it was the zeppelin or steam train that gave it away.

The folk of Oamaru were certainly an interesting bunch, but we had accommodation to get to, and so we were on our way once again. We managed to stream the Hottest 100 (JJJ) countdown via our mobile wifi (undoubtedly burning through our download capacity) the entire way to Twizel. Our place for the next couple of nights in Twizel is palatial - each of the kids getting their own room. Lily was rapt with the final outcome of the countdown - so all is well.