Queenstown to Stewart Island

Early start on drive to Milford Sound ( which is actually a fjord i.e. a flooded glacial valley but who's counting!) via Mossburn, Mirror Lakes and Te Anau. (Think Keannu Reeves) The scenery continues to be amazing with huge vistas which are so difficult to capture on film. Mossburn has a lovely little church similar to others we have seen congregations must be small!

Just loved this cloud scene

Te Anau a very pleasant town on it's own lake

last place of civilisation before descending down glacial valleys to Milford, discovered by a Welshman. (who else!) Lots of waterfalls

many of which only flowing when lots of rain and we are enjoying lovely sunny day but tracks still visible. Long and steep tunnel through mountain only completed in the 1980's makes the place accessible by land. Arrived to board the overnight boat at 4.30pm and sailed up the fjord

before stopping for 'activities'. It could have been a boat ride but I went kayaking instead and have a picture from the boat crew to prove it, available to those at home. The trouble with this area is the sand flies which bite through the insect repellent and rather spoiled the trip close to the shore but fortunately avoided the worse and then sat on deck in the sunshine with glass of sparkling wine, well I am on holiday!! Dinner very good and then little presentation on the wild life to be found in and around the fjord before bed. A rather early start breakfast at 7am (and yes I made it!!) however such a change in the weather, all misty and murky

which is apparently more likely than our lovely sunny day of arrival. Good to see the comparison however and did see a seal

on the way back as well as close up and personal with a waterfall.

Landed at 9.15am and back the same and only way to Te Anau before turning south to Invercargill which is pleasant city with a good little museum with both the actual bike of Burt Monroe

featured in the film staring Anthony Hopkins about a man wanting to beat the motor bike speed record and a very ancient Tuatara called Henry (over 100 years old) amongst others of which there is a picture!

Then on to Bluff which is the most southerly point on the mainland of South Island and ferry point to Stewart Island renowned for it's wildlife and rough crossings. (Not so bad this way at least for us)

Place awash with youngsters as big wedding on the island, made my own supper as have room with kitchenette and limited restaurant capacity but have booked for Saturday night in only pub on island! Have tour and cruise during the day to look forward to.