Milford

Up early, on a mission to get a 10.30am boat. Left Te Anau at 8, which meant having breakfast, packing the camper, and departing, arrived in Milford Sound just around 10, the advertised 2 hour drive (which I didn't believe). But, the road is slow, and unbelievably spectacular. One of the world's superb drives for sure. A few days later a big rockfall closed it.

Not an overly pleasant day, not much wind but plenty of low cloud and rain, which ironically is one of the best times to see Milford. The reason, moodiness and lots of waterfalls. There are only 5 permanent falls, but today there were around 50, very impressive.

We chose to go on the Real Journeys "Nature Cruise" and I have to say, it was the right choice. Smaller boat, fewer people, slightly longer, and they made an effort to get closer to the wildlife. Just a fab trip and such amazing photo opportunities. One of the highlights was the expected "put the boat under a waterfall and try to drench all the tourists". They did put the boat under two waterfalls and yes, one or two tourists copped it, all great fun ;-)

Finished the tour and then slowly wandered back to Te Anau, taking many photos along the way. Then a quick dinner and off on another trip at 7pm. This time to the glow-worm caves, departing on a boat from Te Anau. Greta trip actually. Again, around 2 hours, around 30 minutes out on the boat, then groups of 14 explore the caves, which in fact is a big suspended walkway through some very cool limestone caves. At the very end you jump in a small boat, in complete darkness, and head into the glow-worm cavern. To be honest, I did expect a few more glow-worms, but very cool nonetheless, and a great trip.

Back about 9,30 and into bed, another trio tomorrow ... Kids of course loved the day. Milford in the mist was my highlight, just loved it. The kids, the caves.