thursday 15th february
A whole day in Hokitika before we move onto Wanaka. In the morning we walked the Hokitika Gorge which was very picturesque, complete with suspension bridge and vivid blue water.
After this we visited the local Kiwi centre. The Kiwis are nocturnal so we weren’t allowed to take photos. However, one did approach us and peck the glass.
In the afternoon we went on a treetop walk. Amazing place which seems to be quite new. The walk is 30 metres above the ground, with an observation tower 47 metres off the ground. Great visit and weird to be right up in the roof of the forest.
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- 47 metre tower
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- the walkway 20 metres up
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- walkway
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- blue water
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- the suspension bridge
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- “jungle”
Friday 16th february
We had a longish drive today (6 hours with stops) from Hokitika to Wanaka. The drive took us all through the Southern Alps with incredible scenery. A bit like the Lake District on a larger scale and with very blue water! On the way we picked up MaryEve, a hitchhiker from Brittany in France. Our first hitchhiker in NZ and a lovely girl who works in construction!
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- With MaryEve
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- wonderful views
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- wonderful views
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- Wonderful views
Saturday 17th february
We arrived last evening to our next Airbnb in Wanaka. A lovely studio with stunning views over the lake with the mountains behind. This morning it poured with rain but in the afternoon the sun shone with cloudless skies and was hot.
By pure chance we were in Wanaka on the same day as the Wanaka Challenge – a huge triathlon event complete with international stars.
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- our Airbnb
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- say no more!
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- the finish line
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- View over the lake
sunday 18th february
We travelled from Wanaka to our next Airbnb near Te Anau (Gateway to Milford Sound). This is probably the best Airbnb we have ever stayed at. Its a “Tin Shed” on a farm. The farm is a few hundred metres away and our cabin is really remote, with fantastic 180 degree views. The cabin is well kitted out, complete with log burner (its a bit cooler down South) and decent wifi. I could live here!!!
Monday 19th february
We spent the day chilling and exploring the farm. Tomorrow is going to be busy – a trip to Milford Sound and also a boat trip to the glow worm caves.
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- Our cabin
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- The view and our cabin
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- Log fire
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- Sheep and Goats
Tuesday 20th february
A busy day – in the morning a 2 hour drive to Milford Sound for a boat trip in the famous Fiord, then in the afternoon another boat trip from Te Anau to see the Glow Worm Caves. Tomorrow we begin the long drive North, the first leg is a 7 hour drive to Ashburton (near Christchurch)
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- Milford Sound
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- Milford Sound
