November 28: Te Anau to Milford Sound

Today was an exceptionally scenic drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound in the heart of Fiordland National Park. We stopped at a few smaller lakes along the way for some short hikes to stretch our legs and take in the views. As we got closer to Milford Sound, the scenery changed drastically with high granite cliffs on either side of the highway. The weather also changed drastically and was soon raining “cats and dogs” as the kids like to say.

We were initially dismayed with all the rain. We had booked an overnight cruise on the sound and were looking forward to late afternoon kayaking, perhaps spotting dolphins, penguins and seals along the way. We also thought our photos of the rain-drenched fiord and mountains wouldn’t capture the spectacular beauty of the area. What we didn’t realize is that it’s the rain that feeds all the waterfalls running down the mountains. When the weather is dry (which I’m told it very rarely is) there are very few waterfalls.

So…we donned our rain jackets and rain pants and five of us (Rich, Ashley, me and the girls) took a ride in one of the tender boats while Brent and Jake kayaked. We all got spectacularly wet (even with the rain gear) but it was well worth it as we spotted a pair of Fiordland crested penguins on the shore and spent awhile just watching them. We were out for @ an hour and when we returned to the boat Rich and I and the kids took hot showers while Brent and Ashley took a polar plunge in the 52 degree water. Brrr!

Some of the waterfalls along the way 
(photo taken from inside car)


Waiting to board our cruise ship (blue and
white boat in background)


Brent and Jake ready for their kayaking 
adventure

With Sylvia on the tender boat
(as you can see, we’re the only spot of
color in a very gray world)

Fiordland crested penguins

More waterfalls

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