Today we headed to Milford Sound and it was awesome.
Breakfast.
The weather wasn't cooperating very well in the morning. At our first stop, the mirror lakes were only reflecting clouds.
Through the misty rain we would see waterfalls coming down from all of the surrounding rocky peaks.
Waterfall selfie.
Hard to convey how cool it looks.
More waterfalls...
...coming down everywhere.
We've reached the sound and this extraordinarily powerful Bowen Falls.
On the Southern Discoveries boat tour of the sound.
Ma and pa with Bowen falls behind us.
We stopped at Stirling Falls next. Where they got us drinking water from the falls.
The daring soul that stayed to get the water.
Lunchtime. It's still pretty socked in.
Now Fairy Falls.
Momma and Maya decided to brave the falls (on the far left)
It got very wet!
Wet Maya.
Wet Mama.
The weather is beginning to clear.
We took a break to go to the underwater environment at the Milford Discovery Center.
Finally we can really see the dramatic landscape.
Enjoying the improved weather.
It's incredible.
The kids.
Constantly shifting clouds.
Formerly hidden mountain peaks.
Waterfalls everywhere.
Gorgeous.
A hike to "The Chasm." An amazing waterfall that looks water falling into a hole. Did not photograph well.
We went through this tunnel to get to the sound and now we are back on the other side.
The length of the waterfalls is difficult to convey.
Beautiful stark landscape.
Having fun.
Panoramas.
The only thing to do when waterfalls are everywhere.
Little Dexter.
Here is the famous alpine parrot known as the Kea. They really like to pose for pictures.
Our next stop, part of the Gertrude Saddle Track.
A bit of a more experimental hike. Instead of this being called a "track" which is the New Zealand equivalent of a very well maintained trail, this was a "tramp" which can be a much more challenging affair. We thought we'd try the easy part.
The start of the tramp.
We got a decent way in but then we decided we didn't have time to do more. The kids loved the more exciting trail.
Stopping at a beautiful blue pool.
Our last hike of the day was another excuse to cross a suspension bridge and another pretty cascading river.
Bridge beginning.
Bridge middle.
The cascading water.
A great day!
