Milford Sound

Back blipped on 22nd April 

A very early start, as we had a 3+ hour drive to get to Milford.  We were aiming for the 1120 boat.  As we left, we were once again treated to a beautiful red dawn, and this time it lived up to its reputation – it rained a good deal of the day.  The boat commentary informed us that the average rainfall in Milford Sound is 9m per year, and that 2 weeks without rain is a severe drought! 

Whilst waiting for the boat, we walked around the harbour area, and were lucky to once again see a white heron.  The Maoris say of the white heron “he kotuku rerenga tahi”, or bird of single flight, implying something perhaps seen only once in a lifetime.

Then we were aboard for our trip around the Sound.  My abiding memory will be of water pouring off all the surrounding mountains in torrents, so that's what I've blipped.  Many of the waterfalls come and go, depending on rainfall.  Keeping the lens free of water droplets was a challenge, quite a few pictures are only for personal viewing.  

We also saw a fur seal on a rock, and we were fortunate to see a small group of dolphins, including a couple of babies swimming next to their mums.  But of course, no photos of this!  

We then drove the 2hr trip back to Te Anau, this time stopping at various points of interest.  Much of this trip was done in pouring rain.  W stayed in the car, as I jumped out, grabbed a couple of pictures, and jumped back in again.  1st extra is the now redundant, but protected, Tūtoko suspension bridge.  This was one of 3 initially built as part of the massive undertaking to connect Milford Sound with the rest of New Zealand by road.  Another part was the 1.3km single lane Homer tunnel, largely dug by hand.  It's controlled by traffic lights, and if you arrive just as it's turned red, you have a 20min wait for it to turn back to green.
   
2nd extra is the bridge over the River Donne.  This bridge is typical of many in New Zealand – single track.  It has replaced the original suspension bridge.   

We then stopped for a walk to The Chasm, where we braved the rain and had a walk to a waterfall where the force of the water and the gravel carried by the water has sculpted smooth hollows in the rocks (3rd extra).  As we walked through the forest, we had been advised to watch out for Kea, but didn't spot any until returning to the car park (4th extra).  After that, we saw several more in other car parks - they're quite canny, and know where to beg for food!

Our final walk of the day was a Nature walk near Lake Gunn.  Lovely red beeches (5th extra).