The road to Milford Sound

Up early and off to Milford sound. Actually quite a spectacular drive - soon headed into the mountains with views all around. Stopped off and made some breakfast at a pic nic spot and the van filled up with attacking midges grrrrr! Ate our toast dancing around and then on - really lucky with the weather though as reports say that the area gets 9 meters of rain a year!

Near to Milford Sound came to a tunnel. Stopped off to take some photos as it was pretty amazing all around. Realised that people were taking a lot of interest in our van which was odd and people were starting to take photographs which was even more odder! Went over to investigate and it turned out the was a big bird poking out from under it. Turned out to be a "Kia" and apparently you don't want them in to your vehicle as they will eat the rubber. Well as we'd blown all the midges away we shut the doors fast! Well at least we didn't run over it!

Note to self: buy insect repellant ASAP.

Preparations

Woo freeze dried grub! Getting provisions ready for our 3 day hike. Think we've got everything sorted now - waterproofs, sleeping bags, cooking pots, hiking boots, sun cream, bug spray, hats, butter chicken, lamb curry, yoghurt muesli, porridge supreme, luxury nut selections and various oaty bars - I think that should do it :-P

Booked camp spot down in Milford Sound for tomorrow night as well as morning boat cruise around the Sound as it is supposed to be spectacular. A lot to look forward to in the next few days. Excited!

Te Anau

Arrived Te Anau and got a brill camp
Spot overlooking the lake. Easy wander into town too so popped in for a beer and a bit of blogging. Cooking a chilli tonight and got a sparkly white - who says camping needs to be rough?

Surplise!

Best night sleep in the van so far. Up and out and wandered down the hill into Queensland to but sleeping bags, camping gear and food for the up coming trail - cant wait!

Drive out to pick up linen from rental place at the airport. Yes no more bobbly nights!

Easy drive down along beautiful lake to Te Anau with lunch stop on the way.

Camping in Queenstown

Arrived in Queenstown. Sat nav had an epi directing us through town sending us up a one way street and through a car park - try doing THAT in a huge van! Anyway checked in to this massive camp site - had to park where our neighbours had put out table and chairs for dinner but didn't seem to mind moving - they sure pack them in!

Anyway, a quick stroll down the hill and we were in funky vibe Queenstown which is right by an impressive lake surrounded by mountains. Had a funky vibe pizza in a funky vibe pizza place. Completely different feel here to the places we've been to up till now - much busier with lots of cafes and bars.

Took a short stroll by the lake after dinner. Nice.

The road to Queenstown

Out from Wanaka the road climbed and climbed and eventually came out to a pass with the most amazing view down through the valley to Queenstown. Wow!

Steep hairpin switchbacks all the way down the other side but really fun drive - like rally driving a tank!

Arrowtown

Stopped off at Arrowtown for a coffee and a beer and catch up on da blog!

Nice little town.