New Zealand, November 28 – December 2, 2007

Te Anau, our penultimate destination, is the jumping-off point for trips to Fiordland, the South Island’s most renowned destination although rain falls there some 200 days a year. The weather in magestic Milford Sound was indeed dismal, but the gloom was relieved by the sight of many temporary waterfalls cascading down the sheer cliffs.


Milford Sound


However, we beat the odds the next day on our long boat-and-bus trip to Doubtless Sound (regarded by Kiwis as the finest in Fiordland), for the sky there was virtually cloudless. In addition to the spectacular scenery we were fortunate to spot bottlenose dolphins, yellow-crested penguins, and—at the mouth of the sound—New Zealand fur seals.


Overlooking Doubtful Sound


Doubtful Sound (so called because Capt. Cook was doubtful he could extricate his vessel if he entered the sound)


Doubtful Sound


Fur seals at mouth of Doubtful Sound


A three-hour drive took us to Queenstown, the mother church of bungy jumping and other extreme sports that attract hordes of younger vacationers. One bungy site offered free jumps to persons over 65, but we resisted that siren call in favor of a hike up to Bob’s Peak for some great views of the city. That evening we enjoyed our last lamb dinner before packing for our flight back to San Francisco on December 3.


Esplanade at Queenstown


Lake Wakatipu from Bob's Peak


Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from Bob's Peak


"Last Supper" (as our waitress put it) at Roaring Megs, Queenstown