Queenstown. Queenstown was first stop in our trip to New Zealand. What a way to kick off a great trip. Queenstown is a resort town filled with mostly well-to-do tourists and probably doesn’t reflect much of New Zealand, but jeez is it gorgeous. Nestled in the heart of the Southern Alps, this charming village boasts some of the most stunning natural scenery you will ever see. The mountains that surround Queenstown are majestic and awe-inspiring, with snow-capped peaks that stretch towards the sky. The crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu reflect the mountains, creating a beautiful mirroring effect that is truly breathtaking. If you love the outdoors, Queenstown is the perfect destination. There are countless hiking trails and bike paths that wind through the mountains and forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can also take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak, where you will have panoramic views of the village and the surrounding mountains. For those who love adventure, Queenstown is the ultimate playground. You can go bungee jumping, skydiving, or take a thrilling jet boat ride through narrow canyons and past towering waterfalls. There are also plenty of opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing during the winter months. No matter what your interests, Queenstown's natural beauty is sure to leave you in awe. It is a place that must be seen to be believed, and we highly recommend it as a destination for anyone looking to experience the stunning beauty of New Zealand.. We used Queenstown as a staging ground for several excursions, but we also found plenty of time to explore the charming village and enjoy the local cuisine.

Though Queenstown is a destination unto itself, we used it primarily as a staging ground. Just a few hours' drive away lies the breathtaking Milford Sound, a fjord located on the west coast of the South Island. The journey to Milford Sound is an adventure in itself, with plenty of stops along the way to take in the stunning views and natural wonders of the area. Our journey began with a drive out of Queenstown, heading towards Milford Sound. Our first stop was Devil's Staircase Lookout, which offered stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. The lookout is located on State Highway 6, just a short drive from Queenstown. From there, we continued on to Eglington Valley, where we were greeted by lush forests and rolling hills. The Eglington Valley is a picturesque glacial valley that's surrounded by snow-capped mountains and dotted with crystal-clear streams. It's a popular spot for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching, with opportunities to see native birds, deer, and other animals. We spent some time exploring the valley, marveling at the natural beauty of the area. Next, we made our way to the charming town of Te Anau, located on the shores of Lake Te Anau. This picturesque town is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, and it's a popular stop for visitors to the area. We spent some time exploring the town, enjoying a leisurely lunch at a local cafe, and stocking up on supplies for the rest of our journey. After leaving Te Anau, we headed towards Mirror Lakes, a series of small lakes that reflect the surrounding mountains and trees. The lakes are located just off State Highway 94, and they offer a peaceful and picturesque setting for a short walk or picnic. Our final stop before reaching Milford Sound was Monkey Creek, a small stream that runs through the forested hills of Fiordland National Park. The area is home to a variety of native birds, and we enjoyed listening to their calls as we strolled along the creek.

Milford Sound. Finally, we arrived at Milford Sound, where we were met with one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. The natural beauty of this fjord is breathtaking, and the boat tour allowed us to fully appreciate the stunning landscape. We began our tour in the town of Milford Sound, where we boarded a vessel and set off to explore the fjord. As we navigated through the Sound, we were surrounded by towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters. It was like something out of a postcard. One of the highlights of the tour was when the boat captain brought us up close to one of the waterfalls, allowing us to feel the power of the water as it cascaded down around us. It was a surreal and unforgettable experience that left us in awe of the beauty of Milford Sound. We also had the opportunity to see some wildlife, including playful dolphins and lounging seals. It was incredible to witness these animals in their natural habitat. Overall, our boat tour of Milford Sound was an unforgettable experience. We left feeling grateful for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty and will cherish the memories for years to come. As we made our way back to Queenstown, we reflected on our journey to Milford Sound and all the incredible sights we had seen along the way. From Devil's Staircase Lookout to Eglington Valley, each stop offered a unique perspective on the beauty and majesty of the South Island of New Zealand. We highly recommend this journey to anyone looking to explore the natural wonders of this stunning part of the world.

Glenorchy. The following day, Ceci and I took an unforgettable excursion from Queenstown to Glenorchy. It was a journey that took us through some of the most stunning landscapes New Zealand has to offer. Our first stop was Wilson Bay, a serene spot that offered breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu. As we walked along the shore, the crisp mountain air filled our lungs, energizing us for the rest of the journey. Bennetts Bluff was the next stop on our itinerary, and It was the likely the epic scenery that witnessed during our excursion. The lookout point offered a sweeping panorama of the Dart River valley below, and we spent several minutes simply gazing out at the landscape in awe. We then journeyed through the picturesque town of Glenorchy, where we stopped at the Trading Post for a delicious breakfast sandwich. During breakfast, we spoke to one of the servers at the Trading Post and asked her if we should keep going past Glenorchy as this intended to be our final stop. She highly recommended that we make our way to Kinloch - only a 15 mile drive from Glenorchy. Little did we know that most of the trip was on a bumpy, unpaved road. And the other thing we realized after the fact, is that Glenorchy and Kinloch are only 1 mile apart as the crow flies; but, where’s a crow when you need one. That said, the drive was well worth it. The scenery was absolutely stunning, and we couldn't resist capturing the beauty of the area through our lenses. Along the way, we passed the Isengard Lookout, which was a must-visit for me as a lifelong fan of The Lord of the Rings. The view of the Misty Mountains in the distance, framed by the towering pillars of the lookout, was a sight that will stay with me forever. As we made our way back to Queenstown, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such natural beauty and cultural significance. It was truly a journey that Ceci and I will treasure for years to come.