After we settled in at the camp, we ran across the street to the lake to watch sunset. The day was ending exactly as it began...with a rainbow! It was very beautiful.
I really like this plant - it's very similar to our juncus if it hybridized with carex....anyway, it's really pretty.
After this enjoyable day, it's time to sleep and get ready for tomorrow's big adventure...and time to take a hot shower!!!!
Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the south island
north
south towards the town of Te Anau
We awoke in the morning to a beautiful rainbow. If you look closely, you'll see the faint pastel colors.
We went into town to book a trip out to Doubtful and Milford Sounds, and ended up also getting a trip over to the glow worm caves. This is by far the most organized we've been on the entire trip - three things planned in advance! This area is very popular, so the reservations are necessary. The trip to the glow worm caves took place in the afternoon. We took a boat across Lake Te Anau to the point where the limestone caves are.
It was very windy and cold on the boat...but very beautiful.
Yes, that is Jon
The river exits the vast limestone cave network here. The underground water course has created an amazing cave system inhabited by tiny worms with glowing bottoms. They hang on the tops of the caves, and together, create the illusion of stars. The congregations of light draw insects up to the top of the cave, ensuring dinner for all.
Click to enlarge the sign if you want to know more about the caves. No photographs are allowed inside as light disrupts the worms. The caves are really beautiful, with many chambers, swirling waters, and waterfalls.
Lake Te Anau
The Dome Islands on Lake Te Anau
The light shining on the town of TeAnau
After our cave exploration and great ride home on the boat, we headed down south to Lake Manapouri to camp. Our trip to Doubtful Sound is early in the morning, and we want to make sure we're on time. The trip will include a boat ride across the lake, a trip into the mountain, then a busride across the peninsula to Doubtful Sound. We found a great holiday park run by a couple from San Francisco who arrived here during the Viet Nam war mess. They have been here since, and have created a wonderful place to stay.
Time for another map session...To get a grasp of how long of a drive we're about to embark on and where we're headed, here's our route to TeAnu in Fiordland. After breakfast, we set out on one of our longer drives of the trip, which ended up being fabulous, and although lengthy, went by quickly. Click on the map (or any of the images) to bring up a larger version.
I borrowed this map from the New Zealand Tourist council. It shows the scale of Fiordland National Park and it's location. Fiordland is a World Heritage Area, protected in perpetuity by both the government of New Zealand and the United Nations. The area is protected as it is a glimpse into Gondwanaland, the super continent before the continents we know today drifted apart. The vegetation is thought to be mostly representative of what existed then, and has continued to evolve in isolation. The area is so rugged and remote that most of it has not been penetrated by humans. The only major road in the area leads to Milford Sound; the rest is roadless and stunningly primative.
Upon leaving Wanaka, we entered a fertile valley blossoming with vines and fruit trees.
The Clutha River forms a large lake framed by mountains and orchards.
At the south end of the lake, we took the road west towards Queenstown, and followed the Kawarau River. This stretch of road is packed with interesting things, including a gold mine, water jets, a hydro plant, wineries, and bungy jumping outfits. The water in this river is an amazing blue color.
Gibbston Valley
Picturesque world-class wineries line the road, boasting some excellent white varietals.
Now this is one crazy pink tree! Can you believe the color and density of the blossoms? This is the Gibbston Valley Winery. This place is amazing - wine tasting AND a cheese factory surround a central courtyard with seating and a cafe. They give you a sheet that describes the wine and four glasses so that you can go outside and taste the wine at your leisure. After our wine, we picked up some cheese and hit the road.
Winery courtyard
A few klicks down the road we found New Zealand's original Bungy Jumping outfit. This new building is really great - it's mostly underground and has a green roof planted in native red tussock grass. Being a quiet morning, we stopped to check out the scene.
The river gorge is very narrow here. The Karawau Bridge was built in 1880 and is currently used for bungy jumping...let's go live vicariously through someone else!
The new road bridge from the historic bridge
This young lady took a little while before she actually decided to take the plunge. She's on the edge of a little platform with a huge bungy attached to her middle.
People cheered as she jumped...She screamed.
Two guys in a boat in the river below hooked her and brought her down to the boat to take her to shore.
She had her eyes covered through most of this!
Now these guys have a rough job, eh????
The front of the building leads out to the observation deck. I guess this place gets pretty crowded in the summer. After we got our cheap thrills, we headed on towards Queenstown.
Queenstown is on the right side of the river. We made a decision at this point to not try to get all the way to Invercargill and round back up the east coast. We've decided to head to Fiordland and double back up to Queenstown, then head back up north through here. Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, so should hold some great fun for us.
The Remarkables dominate the scenery.
Sky divers on lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu with the Southern Alps to the south
Symmetry Peaks
South end of Lake Wakatipu near Kingston
The road from Kingston to Te Anu is pretty flat and straight - and we made great time. The windfarm on these hills indicates that it must really blow in this area.
this is the first time we encounter Red Tussock Grass in the wild...I am in love! There are vast fields of it in a preserve area...once this whole area must have been carpeted in it.
We arrived in the Te Anu area in the late afternoon and got a glimpse of the snow-crowned peaks of Fiordland. This area is extremely remote, and we didn't see many cars heading out. Time to find a place to camp and get ready for some major exploration!
