Blogs from Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand, Oceania - page 26

The scenery in New Zealand is impossible to describe, it truely is amazing, and so completely different as you journey through the country. But nowhere is more impressive and awe inspiring as the southern fiordland, and today we journey to Milford Sound fiord to take a boat cruise. The drive itself is amazing, twisting through mountains and valleys. Then through the Homer Tunnel, a bizarre dimly lit hole blasted down through a mountain and out to Milford Sound on the other side. The day is cloudy but clear, and the view is stunning, contrasting the black tannin-stained water with the steep rocky sides of the mountains, Mitre Peak being the highest. We boarded the Mitre Peak cruise boat, a small boat which was much better for close up views of the scenery, and free tea, always ... 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

Milford Sound was our next stop; we decided to go here after numerous recommendations from people we had met. It was a 5 hour drive but we left early after being woken up by an extremely loud snorer in our dorm. On the way we made a couple of stops, one was at ‘Mirror Lakes’, and ‘Homer Alpine’ for a walk and look around. Whilst driving in NZ there are so many places to stop and have a look you have to be selective or you will be stopping every 10 minutes, which was the best thing about having a car and not being in a coach where you don’t have that option. Milford Sound is in the Fiordland National Park and is New Zealand’s largest of these parks. Once in the National Parkland there are ... read more

After spending two days in Arrowtown Janet and I have moved on to Te Anau. When we left Wanaka there were clouds looming in the sky and sure enough by the time we arrived in Arrowtown it had started to rain. We went to lunch at a restaurant called Saffron, which we had heard was one of the best restaurants in the world. One of the best steaks I've ever had . . . We then wandered around town for a bit trying to find a Lord of the Rings filming location that was close to the city center. On our search it started raining, but we didn't let the weather get us down. We returned to our accommodation (where the lodge our room was in was called the Oregon lodge :) to pick up Bill ... 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