South Island Holiday October 2012: Fiordland

After Queenstown we headed toward Te Anau. It was raining for a lot of the journey but the scenery was (unusually) still interesting to watch go by. It happened that today was the centenary celebrations for TSS Earnslaw which involved a special occasion also for the Kingston Flyer. So in Kingston we got to see the meet-up between the steam engine and the steam ship and the passengers (some of whom were in period dress) going from the train to the ship. It was very rainy and quite busy so we didn't stick around long.

Somewhere along the way we picked up some very cold and wet hitchhikers from Croatia and Slovenia and continued to Te Anau (they were heading there too). After dropping off our bags at our motel it had stopped raining so we went to the little DOC walk on the lake edge, which leads to a small DOC wildlife park. They had kereru, kaka, kea, pukeko (slightly strangely), paradise shelducks, Canada geese (again...?), takahe and more. Very cool, and just a donation for entry.

Friendly little paradise shelduck. She wanted the grass just over the fence. Grass is always greener...

On the shores of Lake Te Anau.

Afterward we drove out to Manapouri (we didn't realise the power station was on the complete other side of the lake). We got to see the lake and its backdrop (beautiful) as well as Frasers Beach (my new favourite beach).

Lake Manapouri

 

We photo'd with the takahe in town. He has an All Blacks jersey on. Classic!

View from our motel, Fiordland Lakeview Motel & Apartments (with my new friend courtesy of the Te Anau DOC visitor centre)

The next day we began our journey along the Milford Road toward Milford Sound. We originally had a kayaking trip booked but we cancelled because it was too unclear whether the road would be open or not. (For those who don't know, there was a major rock avalanche which blocked the road in and out of Milford Sound for a number of days.) We picked up a Spanish hitchhiker along the way (Joanna or Yoanna, not sure) and it was her (as well as our) last chance to get into Milford Sound before travel plans meant she had to move on. We ended up staying with her for most of the day and brought her back to Te Anau afterwards.

Mirror Lakes, one of the earlier stops along the Milford Road. Gorgeous!

Grey duck

We stopped at a rest area hoping to get a great view of the mountains. We did, but we also saw this little guy! He was so cool. Somewhere along the way you realise you've run out of adjectives to describe the sheer beauty of the surroundings.

Kea

Upon arrival in Milford Sound, we booked a one-hour "Discover Nature" cruise. We didn't have that much time because by this time it was around 11am and the road was re-closing at 5pm. We had a bit of lunch then went on the cruise.

from viewpoint somewhere above visitor centre

Fiordland Crested Penguin pair. So lucky to see these guys!

NZ fur seals.

It was so great that we got to see Milford Sound. I'd love to go back one day and stay longer, and maybe see Doubtful Sound also which is apparently even more beautiful.

Tomorrow we were to head south-east toward the Catlins.

***

Just a note... does anyone actually read this? If so, can you please leave a comment or let me know... I'm not sure if putting in the effort is actually being appreciated by anyone! :)