Central Otago

Reids reunited

Central Otago hills

Over the Easter weekend the extended Reid family travelled to Central Otago for a gathering. Why Central Otago? Well, back in the mid-to-late 19th century, a certain William Reid arrived in New Zealand and moved to Macetown to cash in on the gold rush. He wasn't a prospector himself but set up a general store to supply the rapidly expanding population. When the madness died down 20-odd years later, he left the dwindling settlement and bought himself the local flour mill.

Macetown

Macetown is now a ghost town which can be reached by a good 4WD trek out into the hills and across a few rivers. It's a good spot for a picnic and also for the New Zealand Falcon - NZ#59. I also managed to add the New Zealand Pipit - NZ#60 to my list!

Autumn colours

Easter is a great time to visit Central Otago as the trees are all showing off their Autumn colours (although like most flora and fauna in New Zealand, the colourful trees are all non-native!). The whole area is really quite spectacular just now.

The only downside to the place is the Sandfly. The minute you stand still in a nice bit of woodland, they appear. The New Zealand Sandfly is to the Scottish Midgie what the All Blacks are to the Scottish rugby side. They're bigger, badder, and have a remarkable proficiency in dishing out a good beating. They chew rather than bite and I'm still covered in the scars two weeks later!

Home of the Sandfly