Milford Magic

We have travelled past Lake Wanaka with it’s vineyards and orchards full of fruit, in quest of our destination, Queenstown. It has been a long drive but finally, driving down the long sloping road I see Lake Wakatipu stretched out before us. I am amazed at the hive of activity and number of tourists who have flocked here, both young and old alike. To those looking for thrill seeking adventure or those, like ourselves, just looking for a leisurely outdoor activity, there is something for everyone. There are restaurants, bars, bistros and boutique shopping everywhere as I describe this picturesque mountain setting as Banff on steroids.

One of our primary goals in this trip was to take in Milford Sound. The God’s were with us today as the weather cooperated completely for our five hour bus trip to the Sound. Seated near the back of the bus I quickly realized that I better pop a couple of Gravol as the bus rolled and lunged at each hair raising turn. Despite the long tour through Fjordland, a world Heritage Area, the views were beyond compare and to attempt to describe the scenery would not do justice to this global travel destination. The boat ride itself was 1 hour and 45 minutes, as we circumnavigated the Sound, cruising up to the opening for the Tasman Sea, where Captain Cook discovered which is rightfully a fjord and not a sound, back in the 1770’s. We were given the option to fly back over the glaciers and avoid another 5 hour bus ride, so we decided to bite the bullet and we were not disappointed as evidenced by the following video. Flight Over Milford Glacier

As great as the fly back was, today’s activity would be the highlight to date. To our surprise we were the only two participants on our organized bike tour of the region with our guide, Chris. We started our day with a 45 minute boat ride on the restored Victorian steamship, TSS Earnslaw. Upon arriving at Walter Peak Farm, we started out on our approximate 35 km ride through the countryside. Our partners through the journey were numerous flocks of sheep, birds and herds of cattle, as we came into contact with very few other trackers or cyclists. A bagged lunch at a remote location, with a Loo with a view capped a wonderful morning. The afternoon took in a cycle beside a forest and lake with a walking suspension bridge, where filming of Lord of the Rings took place. See the following video Cycling near Walter Peak  and the second one at  Take 2 Cycling There was also a thrilling ride down the mountain side road on the return journey. Upon arriving back at the farm at Walter Peak, we partook of a traditional afternoon tea and scone while seated at a beautiful setting by the lake, as we waited for our steamer to return and take us back from this magical place. Truly a remarkable day, as attested to by the night’s sleep which was to be the most restful and peaceful I have had up to date.