Routeburn Track

One of the planned hikes was a portion of the famous Routeburn Track in that starts in Mt. Aspiring National Park and ends in Fiordland National Park.  The 18 kilometer (just over 11 miles), out-and-back trail would take us to one of the most magnificent views in our New Zealand trip.  Though the trail winds mostly through Mountain Beech forests, the last part of the hike opened up to wide, inspiring views.  Enjoy!

A true rainforest hike

A mountain stream cascaded along most of the trail

Lush ferns (New Zealand's National Plant)

View up the cliffs

Half way to our final destination

View from a slip area on the way to Routeburn Falls - the previous picture was taken from near the stream in the far right of the valley.

Video view from Routeburn Falls

So worth the trek!!!

Milford Sound

Milford Sound, a fiord (a long, narrow inlet carved by glacial activity) northwest of Queenstown, is one of the most beautiful areas in New Zealand.  Vaulting cliffs and a plethora of waterfalls define this rainforest area.  We arrived by bus (4 hours one way) and boarded a large vessel for cruising around Milford Sound.

Vista on the way to Milford Sound

First view of the Sound!!

View from the Mariner cruising the fiord.

Setting out for the Tasman Sea

Looking back to the pier

Winding our way back from the Tasman Sea

Sheer walls along the fiord.

Out and About in Queenstown

Since Monday, December 12, Queenstown has been our home base...camping out at the Hotel Kawarau (Hilton managed) at Kawarau Village.  Queenstown is a vibrant tourist city situated on the third largest lake in New Zealand - Lake Wakatipu - and surrounded by mountains.

Kelly in the downtown waterfront area of Queenstown

The Kawarau Hotel

In addition to various expeditions based from Queenstown, we had the chance to hike in the mountains around the city and found some spectacular views.

View above Queentown of Lake Wakapitu

Downtown Queenstown from above

Next Post....Milford Sound.

Walking Among Giants

After arriving in Wanaka on Saturday, we got checked into our hotel at the Wyndham.  We headed into the small downtown area for window shopping and dinner.  We both found some merino wool clothing at a local sports shop.  We visited New World Market to buy groceries.

View in Wanaka from the downtown area

Early Sunday morning we headed to Mount Cook National Park, about 2.5 hours from Wanaka.  Mount Cook (70,696 hectares) is New Zealand's great alpine park. It has the highest mountains and the largest glaciers. Aoraki/Mount Cook village and all visitors to the park are dwarfed by the immensity of the landscape that surrounds them.  This park is located in the central part of the South Island, deep in the heart of the Southern Alps. 

The 4 hour hike was breathtaking - enjoy some of the views along the way!

Entrance to Mount Cook Park

The park is a harsh land of ice and rock. Glaciers cover 40% of it. There are 19 peaks over 3,000 metres including New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The park is also part of Te Waipounamu - South Westland World Heritage Area in recognition of its outstanding natural values.

One of many streams crossed

Trail winding along the mountain before the swing bridge

And around the corner...is Mt. Cook!!

Almost there....

About as far as we can go....glacier in the background.

A look back as we left the park.

Check back for our next stop....Queenstown and the Southland area!!!

Cruizin' on the Ice

On Thursday, Kelly and I decided to not only view one of the largest glaciers in New Zealand (Franz Josef) but to walk on it.  We booked a tour for a half day walk and enjoyed a long walk to the glacier and strenuous trek up scree fields to the glacier.  The day was warm, our guide (Ben) was wonderful and knowledgeable.  Enjoy the pictures.

Franz Josef Glacier - our destination!

Our guide, Ben - he "grew up" on the glacier and was so knowledgeable!

On the glacier

Walking in the crevices.

View of the crew!

Straight up through the ice!!

Kelly (second from right) maneuvering on the Franz Josef!

Next - on to Wanaka!!

Arthur's Pass

Waking up on Thursday, we peered out our hotel window to rain...pouring rain.  Yet, our plans to hike in Arthur's Pass National Park would not be deterred!  After a 70 minute drive inland, we rounded a valley to bright sunny skies!  Enjoy the pictures!

Entrance to Arthur's Pass National Park

View from Trailhead to Bealey Spur Trail

View about 1/2 way up Bealey Spur Trail

Kelly capturing the scenery.

Easterly long view from top of Bealey Spur Trail

The money shot from atop Bealey Spur Trail.

Devil's Punchbowl Falls

Tomorrow look for our adventure to Franz Josef Glacier!!

Motukiekie Beach Walk

Wednesday morning we packed up early and left for the west coast of the south island.  It was raining when we left but wonderfully sunny when we arrived at the Motukiekie Beach Walk.  We timed our arrival at a few hours before low tide.  What Motukiekie's got is an offshore sea-stack cornucopia, high cliffs and arches and caves and waterfalls and corrugated tidal shelving.  Enjoy the pictures.

Sea stacks at the start of the walk

Sea Stacks

Rocks at low tide.

A sea stack "head."

Sweeping cliffs along the shore.