Milford Sound

There's not much going on in Te Anau to be honest. It's more a gateway town for the thousands of tourists who make their way to Fjordland every year to visit the incredible, but very remote, Milford and Doubtful Sounds. Many people choose to fly over the mountains from Queenstown but as we were on a bit of a budget, we decided that the drive would be a better bet, and many people had told us it was just as beautiful. We weren't disappointed. It's a 130km drive to Milford where we had booked onto a cruise for the day. The drive starts through woods and vegetation before opening out into enormous plains. It then begins to climb into the mountains and takes you into the Homer Tunnel - 1270meters of tunnel cutting through the rock before opening into some of the most amazing scenery we have ever seen.   

Where's Wally?

Look closely for the Homer Tunnel

The only photo of our trusty hire car which smelled of curry

We arrived at Milford in plenty of time for our sailing which was to take us on a wildlife tour of Milford Sound right out as far as the Tasman Sea. It all sounds quite eco-warrior of us but it was hardly like that. We really chose that one because you got a free feed on board! And cups of teaaaa. 

We both took loads of photos out on the cruise and I've done my best to edit them down. I make to apologies for the numbers posted - it really was an unbelievable day.  

Its difficult to gain persepective in the Sound but if you look closely in the next shot, you'll see a cruise boat of similar size to ours against the backdrop of the mountains. 

One of my travel dreams was to kayak on one of the Sounds and we were so lucky to get to go out. What an amazing experience. Just us, the instructor and one other couple. 

Me in my little boat

Iain in his similarly little boat

It's not often you get a chance to visit world heritage sites and, despite having nothing with us, we were desperate to get in for a swim. We were amazed they let us. What a feeling, jumping off the wharf into the freezing water! What a day. 

LM :)