A long time travel bucket list item was checked today as we cruised on Milford Sound in Fiordland national park. As there is virtually only the marina at the end of the single road in, one must drive in from Te Anau, about two hours away. Even the trip to the sound was special.
We had to pass through the 1.3 km Homer tunnel which is a one lane, very rough cut through the mountains. Completed in 1953, it doesn’t appear anything has changed.
Finally at the terminus it was a relief to see relatively few people waiting. We were the first sailing of the morning which proved fortuitous as we had the top deck outside space basically to ourselves. Prepared for crisp weather it was layers on, hats and gloves at the ready. Given the steepness of the canyon walls, the sun didn’t penetrate the entire sound at first.
Breathtaking (has that word be overused?) views in every direction.
We traveled nearly 15 Kms and made an about turn near the point where the sound becomes the Tasman Sea.
On the journey back the clouds rolled in briefly which only enhanced the view.
When we returned to the terminal it was very crowded as numerous boats were set to depart. Perfect timing for our departure back down the valley to visit the Te Anau bird sanctuary.
The list of NZ birds distinct to the islands is extensive and the small sanctuary has at least one major feather in its cap (sorry) by playing an important role in the growth of the Takahe population. This flightless bird was thought to be extinct but it’s numbers have been modestly revived thanks, in part, to the sanctuary.
A variety of other birds were on display but proved to be camera shy. A quick, late picnic lunch and it was back on the bus and off to Queenstown.
Queenstown is described as the adventure capital of NZ. It’s a relatively small community (~12,000) but the population explodes with tourists in both winter and summer. It’s like a small village with everything packed into a central area offering numerous bar, restaurant and retail shops. The place is hopping.
Our introduction was a wander down by the lake, through the crowded outdoor bar scene stopping to enjoy ice cream (world class). Tomorrow is a free day from the tour so, being of sound mind and body, we signed up to go BUNGEE JUMPING at the site of the sports originator off a 43m (145 foot) bridge. Hopefully we’ll be back to continue the blog thereafter. There will be online video regardless. Fingers crossed.
The Bennetts On Tour 