Blogs from Te Anau, Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 7

I have just spent the last two days debating who is coming off worse in the battle of sandflies vs Morgan. Admittedly there must be plently of plump and fully nourished sandflies jumping around in Dountful Sound; My 30+ rapidly swelling bites give testimony that I have been an unwilling blood donor. However, today I experienced the ultimate delicacy- tomato, cheese and sandfly tortillas............. Ive spent the last two days once again spending good money to scare myself silly and undergo various forms of torture. This time kayaking Doubtful Sound. Another 5am alarm call- this is worse than working!! 8 of us jumped into a mini bus and began a 3 hour journey by minibus/boat and minibus again to our launch station at Deep Cove. The kayaks were 2 man high spec sea kayaks- with ... read more

Left Milford sound and headed back towards Te Anau. On our way back, decided to do a walk which started at The Divide up to Key Summit (approx 3 hours). The walk initially followed the famous Routeburn track, and then took us through native forest, shrub land and bogs. It was pretty hard going on the way up. Visibily was not great due to the weather still being drizzely but we still had good views of Hollyford, Greenstone and Eglinton valleys. Stayed at Barnyard Backpackers. It was a working deer farm, outside of Te Anau. The hostel centre was a homestead with real fires and amazing views, and a dog and cat who were the best of friends! We stayed in one of the rustic backpacker cottages, which again had amazing 360 degree views. The weather ... read more

Another long day of driving further south to Te Anau where we base ourselves for the next 2 nights so we can visit the stunning Milford Sound fiord. Watched sunset over Lake Te Anau.... read more

I thought I would write just a quick note before I leave on the Kepler Track. Yesterday Janet and I went to Milford Sound (which is actually a Fiord, discoverers named it incorrectly) a truely beautiful place--except for the sandflies. Departing Te Anau early we were able to see the mountains of the area with the reflection of the rising sun and morning mist . . . amazing. We went on a two hour cruise around the Sound and saw DOLPHINS!!! I've never seen wild dolphins before, so it was the highlight of the cruise. On the way back to Te Anau we stopped to take a hike to Lake Marian, a hike that was suggested to Janet by a Kiwi who used to work for the Department of Conservation. The hike took about 4 hours, ... read more

Hello again, The highlight of the last week or so has to be kayaking amongst a pod of 30 or so dolphins on Doubtful Sound yesterday. I was grinning from ear to ear! I hope to be swimming with some in Kaikoura in a few weeks too, this was an added bonus. No idea if I got any shots with my disposable waterproof camera, tried to watch them more than take pictures. The Kepler Track (3 days walking) rejuvenated me mentally and emotionally for sure - also had a good start with phone calls to Fiona on Sunday and Helen on Monday - definitely perked me up - thanks! The middle day up on the ridge was very windy - got blown over once, fortunately was in a path with banks either side so just sat ... read more