Karen and Malc's Gap Years: Te Anau, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound

From 13th-16^th Jan we concentrated on the Fiordland Region of South Island. We decided to do an overnight mini-crusie boat on Doubtful Sound and a short 2 hour trip on Milford Sound as the latter is much smaller but more dramatic (and a bit more touristy). We spent two nights in Te Anau first - which was beautiful.

It got very cold and there was a snowfall on the surrounding mountains the day before we left for Doubtful Sound. To get to this area we had to drive for an hour to Manapouri Lake and get a boat across the lake then a coach for an hour over the Wilmot Pass before reaching our ship for the night.

The Wilmot Pass

Our home on Doubtful Sound

Thee trip was very professionally run by “Real Journeys” and the staff were very knowledgeable throughout with a young guy specifically there to tell us about the geology of the region and answer any questions about the nature of the area. The catering staff did a great job and wonderful food and wine was provided throughout.

HUGE waterfalls

We anchored in a sheltered bay in the afternoon for kayaking, swimming etc....the water was REALLY cold!

We briefly went out into the Tasman Sea that evening before anchoring in a sheltered bay for dinner and overnight.

Fur Seals in the Tasman Sea

The next morning we set sail at 6:30am....

Then on to Milford Sound.......the road was amazing!

Whilst you wait to go through the Milford Tunnel (which can be up to 15 minutes) the Keas - the cheeky adolescents of the bird world, investigate your vehicle looking for any food.

There were a number of Department of Conservation sites to stay at but we decided to go to the end of the road and Milford Sound itself to see if there was anywhere to stay there. Once the tourists have gone, campervans are able to stay in the car park on the waters edge for the equivalent of £10 per night so we decided to do that - magical!