This morning we enjoyed a pleasant walk around the 119 hectare Ōruapaeroa / Travis Wetland in Christchurch. At some points we had views of the Port Hills.
Rakaia Gorge is scenic from the lookout.
Staying with a friend in Christchurch. This is one year old Felix. 🐈
Athol is a tiny place about half way between Te Anau and Queenstown. It has a very convenient public toilet, a tearooms, and this interesting Memorial Seat for the Returned Services Association.
Back in Takapō for the night. From the back I thought this was a car, but it turns out to be a Mustang Thunderbird touring bike.
Such a cool use of the Internet: Fish Doorbell in Utrecht:
… viewers around the world can watch a livestream of the camera and, when they see a fish, press a doorbell to open the lock allowing the fish the opportunity to continue swimming upstream to their destiny.
This photo probably most represents Milford Sound. Huge craggy sheer cliffs, greenery, numerous tiny or massive waterfalls.
What a long day. The bus picked us up at 8 this morning for our Milford Sound Tour and after a busy day we returned at 5. A quick meal at Thai Anau and now we're all wishing it was already bedtime!
Milford Sound and environs are so scenic!
At the Te Anau bird sanctuary I spotted Takahē and Whio (Blue Duck). 🐦
Punanga Manu o Te Anau/Te Anau Bird Sanctuary
Spent the night in Queenstown. Today we drive 2 hours to Te Anau then tomorrow, with any luck, we visit Milford Sound for a cruise — Milford Sound Tour from Te Anau with Fiordland Tours.
The landscapes in Mackenzie and Central are just jaw dropping.
Aoraki (Mt Cook) from Lake Pukaki.
I’ve never been to Cromwell on Lake Dunstan before. Stark mountains all around.
Delicious breakfast at Jack Rabbit in Takapō before we drive to Queenstown.
Dishes at the Dark Sky Diner were pricey, but the Fire grilled salmon served with roasted pumpkin, grilled asparagus, smoked cauliflower puree and caper cream was very delicious.
Filling in a few hours till our 11 pm tour — Takapō Stargazing at Mount John: The Summit Experience:
start by looking at the stars with the naked eye, as our guides point out the sights with handheld lasers. … Then you’ll dive deeper, with full use of our high-powered telescopes. That includes the impressive 16” telescope in our private observatory dome.
Meanwhile an almost full moon rises.
Lake Takapō.
We're travelling in Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island) with our friend Amanda from north of Auckland. Last night's accommodation was lovely: Hall on the Terrace (Facebook link) in Temuka (Te Umu Kaha):
a renovated Presbyterian Church Hall offering luxury boutique accommodation
Waimakariri River just north of Otautahi | Christchurch. So blue! And a famous braided riverbed.
