Fjordland..

After we left Invercargill we drove northwards along the Eastern side of lower South Island known as Fjordland..with good reason. Ancient glaciers have left huge fjords and rugged mountains in their wake, and much of the area isn’t even accessible. As we left the grey clouds of the south behind we were surrounded by mountains which got higher as we drove along. Because of the recent cold snap the mountains were topped with snow, and the scenery became more and more majestic. That night we stopped on the edge of a huge glacial lake at Te Anau, which is ringed with mountains and forests. It is the gateway to the majestic Fjordland National Park and a very pretty village.

Next day we did the awesome drive to the famous Millford Sound. En route we stopped and did a strenuous hike up a steep ascent to Key Summit for 3 hours. It was also the beginning of the famous Routeburn Track which takes several days to do. There were amazing views all the way up to top, but as we go to the very top, thick cloud covered the mountains and we could not see anything else. We drove through the mist and drizzle along the steep and winding road to the very heart of the mountains, at times with steep, sheer cliffs soaring above us covered with snow. The twisty road with hairpin bends was scary with lots of ice on the side of the road. Also there is a tunnel and Paul had to drive the Campervan through with a huge tour bus coming the other way...we each had inches to spare in the dark.That night we slept at Milford Sound camp, and in the morning the mist and rain had cleared!! We did the famous Boat cruise up the Sound with near perfect weather, and saw the amazing glacial mountains with their distinctive sheer rock formations, wonderful glaciers, dolphins etc. Rarely do things you dream about not only meet your expectations, but EXCEED them!!! This was one of them. Doing the Milford Sound was one of the top things in our “bucket list” and it is a MUST DO!!

That night we drove back still gobsmacked. We decided to stop and camp at the edge of a stunning lake surrounded by snow capped peaks and forest. It was a Parks Board Camp site with an honesty box costing $10.00 per night..it was so lovely.Because it was still early Paul tried to make a fire with soggy wood, and I sat and painted a picture with the lake, forests and relflections...what a treat.

We are now in Queentown..the adventure capital of the world....It is also incredibly beautiful built along the huge glacial lake and surrounded by the snow topped peaks called the Remarkable Range.

Something Paul has ALWAYS wanted to do was Hang-glide, so he talked me into joining him on a flight.We drove high up Coronet Peak (see picture) which is also a ski field area, and both did an amazing flight down. I was so scared at first, but once we were airborne it was so peaceful and lovely that I relaxed. The scariest part is running down the edge of a steep cliff and then launching yourself upwards. Paul was thrilled to bits, especially when the pilot did a few “stalls” and sharp swings up and down for good measure. After that we took a Gondola Ride up the main mountain in the city and did a Luge trip around the top. What a day. Tomorrow we will do some scenic drives because all these exciting activities like Bungy , Jet boat etc etc costs the earth!

It has been a fantastic trip so far and we are so Blessed to see this lovely country and its awesome scenery.