Dunedin was a mixed bag. We first visited an indoor rainforest to see the most beautiful butterflies. Although mostly aimed at children it was a fascinating place and made lots of new fluttery friends which landed on you and surrounded you …
We were in for a nature day and following recommendations headed to Harrington point to see Albatros, penguins and seals. Sadly the place was so commercialised that you could not get anywhere near without paying for a tour at an ridiculous price and seeing war guns which did not interest us. Still we caught seals at a distance and quickly ate our butties in the car whilst a couple of Albatros flew overhead.
After a study of the map we headed off down a dirt road to Allens beach to get a great surprise. We got out the car and as we headed to the beach was welcomed by the most amazing smell. Fresh lupins surrounded us everywhere. We followed the path out to the beach only the stumble across a huge seal bull basking in the sunshine on the sand. Giving him a wide birth we carried on further to next come across a mother and a young seal pup only a few meters away. It was so special to see them and it really made our afternoon and our trip to Dunedin.
From Dunedin we headed to Te Anau which we only thought of as our base to Milford Sound. We should have given the place more credit and both said we really want to go back. The first evening we took a boat trip out to a glow worms cave. The views were stunning on the way and the glow worm caves did not disappoint. The little boat being pulled thought the dark into the “grotto” was like a magical Christmas ride with millions of twinkling fairy lights, only they were glow worms.
The next morning we had an early start to go to Milford Sound. We decided to go in a bus tour so I could take in all the sights rather than driving. We had a fantastic driver called Bruce and whilst the Chinese man snored behind us, Bruce entertained with jokes and information. He was even an extra in Lord of the rings. We saw beautiful waterfalls and lakes in the way including the mirror lakes
We got to our cruise boat on Milford sound and was treated to a long boat ride and free showers where the crew put the boat directly under waterfalls. It’s a truest magical place
After the boat ride we got dropped at the underwater observatory to do some kayaking. Ha ha we opened for a double kayak due to it being 28 knots gusts and headed out. We saw rare Fiordland crested penguins on the shore as well as seals. All that I can say is Erich and I will not be doing a double Kayak again though ha ha. After paddling back to the observatory we got the change to go underwater and see all the fish and sea critters including blue cod, marble fish and rare black coral. It was great.
In the morning Bruce had told us to watch the film about the Fiordlands called “shadowland” which was last showing in town at 7pm. Only being picked up at just gone 5 for a 2-2.5 hour ride home we had ruled out being able to make it. We told this to our new driver who was probably not long past 79 years old, who seems to welcome the challenge and got us to the theatre doors at 5 to 7 very proud if himself even with another drop and pick up on the way. Let’s just say we were happy to get off the bus at the end (alive)! The film was beautiful and felt incredible lucky we had the most perfect weather for what had been a really wonderful day We will never forget.
We did not want to leave Te Anau the next morning as still so much in the area so headed of to do a few km of the 66km Kepler track. It was beautiful and can see why some spots were used for Lord of the rings filming. We have pledged one day we will come back and do the full 4 day hike. It was well worth out morning here before heading off for Queenstown.
