Milford Sound

 Today we had a fun filled day taking a day trip via bus to Milford Sound.

 

  We left from Te Anau, touring features of Fiordland National Park, home to untouched alpine forest, pristine waterways, glaciers and soaring peaks.  We stopped for numerous photo opts and had a classic Kiwi barbecue of marinated lamb kebabs, chicken kebabs and sausages, along with salads, fresh bread and fruit punch at Cascade Creek, prepared on sight by our driver.

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Along the way, we kept looking for a sign to Dore Pass, which Bill, Diane’s husband’s great, great, great grandfather discovered.  Unfortunately it was not on the main road, so we were unable to stop for a picture by the sign.

Leaving Cascade Creek, we headed towards Homer Tunnel, taking in some incredible mountain views while driving along side the crystal clear waters of the Hollyford River.

Next we boarded “The Adventurer” boat (which we thought was quite appropriately named) to take a cruise down Milford Sound.

A Fiord is carved by glaciers and sounds were caused by water.  Therefore, Milford Sound is technically a fiord, in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rainforests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fiord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. We did see some seals and a lone penguin and also went “under” two waterfalls, getting wet and viewing a couple of beautiful rainbows.

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After returning via the long BBQ bus route, we arrived in Te Anau in time to witness a beautiful sunset on Lake Te Anua. It was a truly splendid day