Blogs from Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 5

mittwoch, 25.03.09 nachdem wir, will und ich, uns am dienstag dem 17.03.09 von der tour verabschiedet haben, fahren wir mit dem taxi zu unserer neuen bleibe für die nächsten drei nächte, dem bungie backpackers. zum znacht treffen wir nochmals margit und lena, die einzigen 'überlebenden' der tour hier in queenstown, für den legendären fergburger und lassen den abend im pub ausklingen... für den mittwoch haben wir eine lord of the rings tour ins paradise valley gebucht. früh am morgen werden wir von justin, unserem tourguide, vor unserem backpackers abgeholt und fahren entlang dem wakatipu lake nach norden. will und ich sind die einzigen touristen, die heute diese tour gebucht haben, so dass wir quasi eine privattour haben... nicht schlecht. so machen wir einige fotostopps am see, fahren tief in abgelegen täler und schliesslich auch ins pradise ... read more

Dunedin Op zoek naar nestelende albatrossen belandden we op Otago Peninsula. Na een eindeloze zig-zag weg kwam de vuurtoren eindelijk in zicht. Helaas was de pier afgezet door een zogenaamde albatrossen-conservatie-vereniging en de enige manier om de grote vogels te bekijken was door 40 dollar te lappen voor een 60 minuten durende wandeling :( Nou ja, laat maar! Terug naar de stad dan maar voor de noodzakelijke bezigheden (boodschappen, internet en was) om de tijd door te komen, want de camping was al betaald... Southern Scenic Route Omdat we zo snel mogelijk naar Milford Sound (Fiordland NP) wilden rijden, maar toch niet al te veel van het zuiderlijke landschap wilden missen, hebben we de 'Southern Scenic Route' gereden die via Invercargill (vertrekpunt voor Steward Island) naar Te Anau loopt; vele kilometers asfalt door prachtig bergachtig gebied ... read more

An early start and a very indirect drive to Milford Sound - it's only about a 100 k as the crow flies, but it's nearly 300 by road, stupid mountains! Beautiful mountains though, please see the pictures, apparently it's technically not a sound, it's a fjord as it was formed by a glacier and not a river or something. Still pretty!... read more

The trip down the East Coast doesn’t prepare you for the West. The East, or the bit from Christchurch to Invercargill is all about snow capped mountains, velvet green rolling hills, snug little seaside towns and lots of lakes, rivers and streams. A lot of people as well, or at least more than there is on the West. Heading west from Invercargill we gradually started to move through different country. Still plenty of sheep and still green initially but gradually these give way to mountains, trees, gorges and some of the most spectacular country we have seen. The trip into Milford Sound and the World Heritage Area that extends up to Haast about half way up the South Island introduces you gradually to the country. We made it to Te Anou the first day out of ... read more

Rise and shine…. what beautiful day ahead, breakfast was ready on time; it is such a treat not to worry about it. And again the sail through the most amazing nature… wow, wow and once more wow. After leaving the boat I started to head back, I went for few short walks, although the walk up to the Key Summit was hard, up the hill for 2hours and windy as hell, but worth it. I have done short walk around the Lake Gunn, have seen the Mirror lakes… It was a beautiful day and again I had to remind myself how lucky I am to be here and see this extraordinary nature. The only regret I had was I could not go on any longer tracks as would not attempt to go over night by myself, ... read more