#7 Queenstown and Leaving

The Remarkables from Queenstown. Major skiing/snowboarding destination in the winter!This little craft caught our attention! Looked like SO much fun! It can go under water and then pop out like a dolphin jumping out of the water!Several HUGE trees along the far side of the town next to the lake.So many water sports going on.Yes, parasailing on the left and steam boat on the rightA lady from Matthew's work that had just been to New Zealand said we HAD to try Fergbuger in Queenstown. So we did, after standing in line for about 45 minutes, and apparently that wasn't too bad! It was pretty deliciousWe both really fell in love with Queenstown and would love to go back! It is super quaint and so much going on in a little city.Huge botanical gardens.The Remarkables againView from our bedroom window.Sunrise at like 5 something when we got up to catch the airplane to Aukland. Last view of Queenstown area ;(After settling into our hotel near the airport, we went for a walk. Kind of a strange area, mostly industrial. But this was one restaurant within walking distance, The Post Office. Their menu looks like an envelope and then like this when you open it up. Matthew got snapper over creamed peas and still raves about that too!Early the next morning we got on the plane headed to LAX. Some easy reading material...So sad to be leaving New Zealand and just a little exhausted!Good bye New Zealand! Until next time!

#6 New Zealand Te Anau and south

The next day we drove up to almost the other end of the tunnel going into Milford Sound and hike Lake Marian. It was a less popular hike and we got lost for a bit. It was also pretty wet! But so pretty and quiet.Another swinging bridge!The rushing water was so white and then icy blue!Pretty vibrant pink flowers!I think this was Mirror Lakes because they are usually so calm and clear they reflect the mountains. We had fun watching ducklings diving! I think each dive was about 30 seconds! It was fascinating Walking around Te Anau that evening after dinner, we saw this patriotic New Zealander's outfit and had to take a picture!
The next day we hiked part of an over night hiking track along the Waiau River. We hiked to the first hut, ate lunch and used their facilities and then hiked back to the car.This reminded me so much of Newfoundland. And just like in NL, swamps are being drained and plants and animals are becoming more and more scarce. The plant below is like a miniature pitcher plant in NL! It catches bugs!
The Waiau RiverMatthew's surf and turf meal that he still raves about!View from Quintin's Rest

Heading back up to Queenstown!

New Zealand #5 Milford Sound and Te Anau

Driving to Te Anua - sheep pasture
These are a little out of order and I tried not to get too many pictures, but it is just so magnificent that I keep adding them! We were a little disappointed at first that it was cloudy, foggy, and rainy when we visited Milford sound. But come to find out, that is when you get to see just how many waterfalls there are! So though we didn't get to see the highest peaks, we did get to experience the true rain forest that the area is!Walking in the rain forestThis is the boat we toured on^It was just a little chilly! And come to find out, my rain jacket isn't quite water proof, not even really considered water resistant! Be sure to notice the tour boat in the bottom right corner. It was bigger than ours!Back on land eating lunch and swatting flies. We were hoping it would clear off enough to see Miter Peak, but it didn't quite make it.Stopped at a couple places on the way back on the sound side of the tunnel. Waiting to go through the tunnel!
Sadly lupins are not native in New Zealand. And pretty as they are, they are crowding out the native grasses.Eating Subway for dinner out on our front porch!Matthew's new favorite drink!