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the road to Glenorchy |
I went for a clinic appointment today.
The nurse, who knows me quite well, was interested to find out how my trip to New Zealand had gone.
And even more interested to know which places I would recommend for a three week tour. She is off there soon.
Now I spent most of my time down under in South Island ( some six months or more in total) over three visits. But I have also driven from the south to the north, so have been to some of the top sights in both islands.
If I had my time again, and I only had three weeks, then I would stick to South Island, for it is there that I find the spectacular scenery that I so love. The roads are quieter, and the hiking is lush and green, as the climate is wetter and cooler.
So for you, JA, and anyone else who is interested, here is a list of my top 10 places to visit.
Others may disagree; this is just my personal list of favourites.
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Queenstown beach |
take a climb up Queenstown Hill.
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the view from Queenstown Hill and the basket of dreams |
and if you are feeling really energetic, take the cable car up and climb all or some of the route to the summit of Ben Lomond.
- from Queesntown dont miss one of the world's most scenic drives to Glenorchy at the top of Lake Wakitipu. From there a trip up the Dart River is a chance to get to the heart of Lord of the Rings Scenery
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Glenorchy |
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Dart River at Paradise |
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Doubtful Sound |
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Swim or kayak with dolphins and catch your own fish for tea with
Deepcove charters
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doubtful dolphins |
Doubtful Sound is much less accessible and therefore much quieter than Milford Sound.
If you can't get to Doubtful then please go to Milford. It is also a truly wonderful place.
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Milford Sound |
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Milford Sound |
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Milford Sound |
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Hollyford track |
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Hollyford track |
- Hike the Hollyford Track or the Milford or the Routeburn. You will need to book with a guided trip but the landscape is worth the pain, and even the rain.
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Lake Pukaki |
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Hooker Valley track |
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Hooker Valley track |
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Rob Roy glacier track |
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Rob Roy glacier track |
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Rob Roy glacier track |
then head over to the West Coast for some more spectacualr coastline and glaciers, passing through Wanaka on the way.
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Wanaka |
- the glaciers Franz Josef or Fox
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Franz Josef glacier |
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Franz Josef from a helicopter |
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hike along the West Coast |
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Abel Tasman |
- Abel Tasman for a very different hiking experience along a coastal path in warmer waters ans sunnier climes
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abel tasman |
And I nearly forgot Stewart Island on the very south coast. The birdlife there is second to none as they have islands with no predators. You can get there by ferry or plane.
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Stewart Island flights |
go kiwi hunting on Ulva Island, and listen to the birdsong
I love the song of the
bellbird
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we saw a Kiwi in broad daylight on Ulva Island |
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the robins are very friendly |
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Ulva Island |
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flying to Stewart Island |
So I didn't quite get that all in a logical order, but you will be able to sort that out.
If not, I am happy to come along as your guide and photographer.
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Queenstown sunset |
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crystal clear waters on the Routeburn track |
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