New Zealand (South Island)
Fly further east from Australia and we finally get to New Zealand – where there is more sheep than people! Did you know that it is so remote (tucked between Australia and Fiji/Tonga) that it was one of the last landmass to be settled on by mankind – only in the 13th century!
At-A-Glance
Main Highlights
Church of Good Shepherd: Gorgeous quaint church that is set by the lake – makes for a picture perfect moment. Come very early in the morning or evening to avoid the crowds (or if we are ready to brave the cold – in the middle of the night to catch the blanket of stars!)
Mount Cook: Aoraki National Park is a rugged land of ice and rock and walking on Hooker Valley trail (4-5 hours return) is an awesome way to experience the untouched land. Picturesque icebergs, glaciers and majestic mountains – complete with three swing bridges to cross!
Wilkin River: We departed from Makarora and took on a 30-min flight into the remote Siberia Valley. There, we went on a 3-hour bush walk before we rendezvous with the jet boat at the pick up point in the Wilkin Valley to take us back to Makarora
Rob Roy Glacier Track: From Wanaka, we drove an our along the beautiful Matukituki Valley into the national park. At the road’s end, the track follows Rob Roy Stream through beech forest, alpine vegetation and finally – spectacular views of the hanging glaciers! Beautiful waterfalls drop off from the jagged cliffs. The trail is gradual and easy (3-4 hours return), perfect for a little Bean in tow
Queenstown: This beautiful town has everything – from Lake Wakatipu (a long, thin Z-shaped lake formed by glaciers) to the sights of nearby mountains (The Remarkables, Cecil Peak, Walter Peak), to the mountains just above the town (Ben Lomond, Queenstown Hill). Lots of adventure activities await in this town, but we had to settle for next time when little Beans grow up
Milford Sound: The road to Milford Sound has supposedly some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, with panoramic views of Fiordland National Park along the way. Did you know that the ancient Māori who used to travel to Milford Sound in search of precious pounamu (greenstone) more than 1,000 years ago?
Photo Reel
No turning back now:
Watching our plane drop us off in the remote jungle and taking off – it’s a surreal feeling of being “ditched”
Pick up:
Jet boat picked us up at the RV point, 3 hours after our hike into the off-the-beaten trail
Dinner on the hilltop:
We had to eat some mutton in a country where there were more sheep than people
Supermarket:
One of our favourite activities to check out local groceries in any overseas destination!
Blinding snow:
We now know why the pilots wear dark sunglasses – the snow was actually blinding as it reflected light off the strong sun