When I was a little takker doing Geography at school I learned all about New Zealand.  One of the things I learned was about Invercargill, the southernmost port in the Commonwealth.

In my 8-year old mind this was immensely romantic.  Ever since then I have had ideas of a windswept harbour, filled with sailing ships loading bales of wool and mutton, setting off to brave the roaring 40’s. Crusty pioneers striding the streets with their pipes turned upside down to keep the rain out, and horsemen riding the hills to muster their sheep.  I have always wanted to go there.

Actually it’s flat, the harbour has silted up, there are all the usual shops, supermarkets and all the rest in a predominantly suburban town.  Hmph.

The only notable thing is we saw 6 churches on the way in and roughly the same number of places selling huge farm machinery.  Romance of a sort I suppose, but not quite what I expected.