NZ D8: Te Anau & Milford Sound

Highlight of the day:
1. More delectable NZ pies from Miles Better Pie in Te Anau
2. World famous Milford Sound Cr

We started to envy the sheeps, they live such a good life.


Spotted rainbow again :-)


the other side of the rainbow


a complete rainbow


From Queenstown, we drove to Te Anau, the gateway to Milford. There was this little shop, Miles Better Piles and more, selling a variety of delicious pies.


The shop is very famous among travelers, many will stop for their pies before continue their journey to Milford. We shared two pies and a cup of hot coffee, which made a perfect light lunch. Then, we booked the 3pm Milford scenic cruise with Real Journey.


We took a Milford map with recommended lookout points at Te Anau iSite. A non-stop driving journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound will take about 2.5hours, but we spent 3.5hours in total.


our rented car, all the way from Auckland airport


A gentle reminder. Check the condition of Milford road, the road might be closed when weather is bad. And also, do make sure your fuel is enough. There is no fuel station between Te Anau and Milford.


Homer Tunnel which only allow one way traffic


one more lookout point before the cruise


Cruise waiting for us


Weather was great and the cruise departed on time


NZ flag with Milford view as the background


the wind was so strong


Milford is known as the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand and one of the wettest in the world.


enjoyed the view and cold weather


Many waterfalls could be seen running down the steep sided rock faces that line the fiord


The waterfalls looked impressive when the cruise went very near to them. Our cameras and lenses were all wet, but we were happy with the photos. ;-)

I almost have dropped this place in my list, thinking that it was just cruise with some waterfalls. I was glad that I did not. The cruise trip was simply amazing.

Real Journeys
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NZ D7: Wanaka, Arrowtown and Queenstown

Highlight of the day:
1. Beautiful Wanaka Lake
2. Little Arrowtown
3. The gigantic Ferg burger
4. Skyline to Bob's peak at Queenstown
5. First time on Luge


Peaceful Wanaka lake in the morning


A zoom out version. Can't decide which to use. ;-)


We were so surprised that beautiful views were everywhere in NZ. In the first few days, we stopped many times to take pictures. Then later on, we started to be picky, or we have to be picky, else we would never reach our destination.


Fruit farms before Queenstown


Jones's fruit stall


fruits in season


love this view too


First time our car had to come to full stop.


Glibbston Valley Vineyard and Cheesery


The vineyard offers unique wine tasting in the underground wine cave. We did not arrive at the right timing, thus did not make it to the wine tour. Do check out their schedule at their website(link below).


Next to the vineyard, there is a cheesery. If you have the cost and time budget, do consider their picnic hamper where they pair the cheese and wine together. As usual, check out their website(link below).


Would you get more courage to do a bungy jump with such a nice view? ;-)


Standard must take shot in NZ


Arrowtown, former gold-mining town


autumn is at the corner


Street in Arrowtown


We decided to have lunch at Stables restaurant which offer al fresco dining option.


timeless ambiance and perfect weather


Left: sleepy in such a relaxing environment
Right: Grandpa and grandson enjoying time together


Hearty seafood chowder with a toast


Coffee is a must


winding road to Queenstown

After we checked in to Absoloot Value in Queenstown, we came out and explored the town.


Patagonia for chocolate lovers


The birds in NZ were not afraid of human.


Bird having a bite of bread


bird couple


Lake Wakatipu


the lengendary Ferg burger


enjoying burger


making burgers


Burger as big as my face


We shared the Big Al(NZ$17.50), with 1/2lb of prime NZ beef, bacon, cheese, eggs, beetroot, lettuce, tomato, red onion, relish and aioli. It was so satisfying!


isite building in Queenstown


We got our second, or third dose(not quite sure) from Bean Around The World.


the menu


bean around the world


Remarkable Sweet Shop for the sweet tooth


Our accommodation was strategically located at the center of Queenstown, therefore we did not have to drive and have headache with parking. With a 5 minutes walk, we reached Skyline Queenstown. We bought the Gondola & 2 Luge combo ticket at NZ$38 per person.


Taking a Gondola up the hill, we were greeted with unsurpassed view of the region.


taking a luge cart


There were two tracks, scenic track and advance track. We started with scenic track and then went for the advance track.


it was me on luge!


The thrilling ride was fun! We could not get enough with just 2 rides, but the ride wasn't cheap. We enjoyed the inspiring view for another while before we went down hill.


Dinner was at Flame Grill and Bar.


funky deco on the restaurant's wall


The restaurant was fully packed, we only managed to grab two seats at the bar.


the bar tender


Rib and Steak Combo NZ$41

While we enjoyed lake and mountain views, the food and activities in Queenstown, we spent few times more here compare to other towns. And yet, we did not go on the famous TSS Earnslaw Cruise. A good reason for another NZ trip in future? :-)

Glibbston Vineyard
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Gibbston Cheesery
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AJ Hackett Bungy
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Stables Restaurant
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Ferg Burger
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Bean Around the World
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Remarkable Sweet Shop
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Skyline Queenstown
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Flame Bar and Grill
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