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

New Zealand is home to some unique and remarkable scenery. Dramatic fjords, impressive volcanoes, rugged rolling hills, striking mountains, eye-catching glaciers and sweeping coastlines make this country a hugely popular tourist destination and for the adventure minded traveller New Zealand has to be among the very best. After travelling through this lovely country for almost a month I do understand why people speak so highly about it. One of my main reasons for coming to New Zealand was to explore some of the hiking and trekking routes around the country. I knew my options were many and plentiful and when I left my homecountry I already had an idea on what and where I wanted to go. My only slight worry was that the somewhat rough and unpredictable weather parts of this country sometimes receives, would ... read more

Als we ‘s ochtends wakker worden is het schitterend weer, wel een beetje koud. We ontbijten voor onze Jucy en kijken uit over Lake Hawea. In een klein halfuur rijden we Wanaka binnen, een populaire plaats bij veel (jonge) Nieuw-Zeelandgangers, omdat je in de omgeving veel activiteiten kan doen, zoals bungee-jumpen. Je merkt dat hier een andere sfeer hangt, er zijn veel cafeetjes en winkls. De plaats ligt mooi aan het gelijknamige meer en de herfst heeft hier al duidelijk zijn intrede gedaan. Veel bomen zijn prachtig rood en geel gekleurd. Dat vinden ook de Chinezen, die hier en masse met hele dure lenzen de herfstkleuren aan het vastleggen zijn. Wij slaan brandstof en boodschappen in en rijden verder langs de oevers van het meer. Overal staan de bomen in vuur en vlam. Na een tijdje ... read more

Geo: -45.4151, 167.718Continued on the scenic route, to Te Anua, stopping at Mc Crackens Rest lookout, and Clifden suspension bridge.Booked into the Lakeview in Te Anua, checked out the local shops and had lunch.Watched an amazing movie about Fiordland, then off to see the Glow worms via catamaran.Finally had some good Fish n Chips - local Blue Cod in a fishermans basket.Back to the campsite to update the blog and relax, then sleep.... read more

Geo: -45.4151, 167.718We were so blessed to wake up (the engines start at 6:30 am!!) to clearing clouds and a crisp clear day. Great breakfast too.On our return we had such a nice conversation with 2 young couples we had chatted with and shared lots of photos with - the Indian couple was on their honeymoon! and the Australian couple had been married 2 years - when we mentioned that this was our 45th anni they asked what the secret was. Good segue into the benefits of experiencing a Marriage Encounter, but lots of "inside info." Made the trip back very short.Because the weather was so lovely, David did not think we should wait till tomorrow, but should head out right away over the famous and beautiful road to Milford Sound. M. Sound is 1/3 the ... read more

Geo: -45.4151, 167.718As we had arrived in Haast in the dark and drizzle, we were amazed at how beautiful our surroundings were this morning.the drive across Haast Pass (the lowest of the 3 passes between East and West Coasts) was easy and lovely. We stopped at 2 waterfalls, but were conscious of the fact that we had no cell reception, which meant no GPS, so we really didn't know how long it would take to get to Te Anau.Lake Wanaka and its neighboring lake were winners.For some reason the town nearby set itself up as a place to post bras and take donations to support Breast Cancer services.We took the curvy steep road from there to Queenstown, and the views were well worth it.At the top of the last pass we had our brie and crackers ... read more