Cruise
The geography of the place, a fjord of 15 kilometers can not be admired from the shore. Some mountains or waterfalls are only visible via a cruise through the fjord.
That is why many companies offer cruises of varying lengths within the fjord to contemplate this impressive, majestic and sometimes mystical place.
Our cruise lasts 2 hours and we admire the following points of interest: Lady Bowen falls, Lion Mountain, Copper point, Sea rock and Stirling Falls.
It is a human-sized boat that also offers bar and catering service.
The weather is good + 28°
We have a great day in beautiful surroundings.
Milford Sound
It is the most famous natural site on the South Island, one that everyone talks about. It is a jewel of beauty with infinite charm.
The road from Te Anau is an attraction in itself. It takes about 120 kilometres and two to three hours by car.
This is not surprising: There are many things to see, between lookouts, valleys, lakes, mountains to infinity.
We opted for a cruise on the fjord tomorrow, but it is forbidden to camp there. Our evening bivuac is in the middle of nature and it consists of 160 locations ... !!! We imagine the crowd for tomorrow!
Along the scenic route we make a few stop:
* Te Anau downs: A nice view of the " Murchison mountains"
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* Miror lake: The most famous stop on Milford Road. A short path leads to a lakeside platform in which the Earl Mountains are reflected
* Holyford Valley: A beautiful view of the Hollyford Valley.
* Homer Tunnel: As this is a one-way road, you often have to stop on either side to wait for your turn to pass.
Te Anau
The "Fiordland National Park" is the largest natural park in New Zealand, but it is also one of the largest in the world, with an area of 12,570 km 2.
Created in 1952, it is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its landscapes of unparalleled beauty, with deep forests, valleys, huge fjords and snowy peaks.
Some of the most famous treks in the country are to do here like the Milford Track which is considered the most beautiful hike. Milford Sound remains the most popular spot to discover the area on a day.
Fiordland is one of the most remote, wild and wet areas in the country. It is the fusion of mountain and water, especially because of the rains of the Roaring Fortieth.
Before we reach " Te Anau ", the starting point of the park, we cross a region without much interest where there is absolutely nothing to see.
We spend two days in a campsite to enjoy electricity as always to work on the site and photos.
The weather is variable and we only go for a walk around the city.
Catlins
For two days we will discover the "Catlins" region.
It owes its name to a landowner of the 1840s, and enjoys a unique combination of waterfalls, golden beaches, high cliffs, and fossilized trees.
The main route is part of the "Southern Scenic Route", the oldest and most spectacular tourist route in New Zealand.
* Nugget Point: Perched on a promontory, a lighthouse built in 1869 overlooks the small rocky islets that give this place its name. It is the refuge of sea lions and seals .
* Mc Lean Falls: A total of 22 metres high waterfall, from which the Tautuku River descends on various levels.
* Curio Bay: . This is where the "Petrified forest" is located, which is actually a partially fossilized forest several million years ago. Part of this forest has been buried by mudslides, but it is still possible to see remains of trunks and tree stumps at low tide.
* Purakaunui Falls: These are certainly the most visited and photographed waterfalls in the region. It is not the height of these waterfalls that is most impressive compared to other waterfalls in New Zealand, but those falls that descend 20 meters on several levels forming like a curtain of water are magnificent .
* Waipapa Point Lighthouse: Built in 1881, this wooden lighthouse was built after the sinking of the Tararua which saw 131 people die out of the 151 on board. The lighthouse was commissioned in 1884 and is still active today.
We are leaving this beautiful region for the "Fiordland National Park".
ROAD BOOK 202
MAVROS ODYSSEE