Day 3 : Milford Sound

I decided to take up a coach tour to Milford instead of driving.

Nigel, our guide is fluent in Japanese. Cool guy. He knew where to stop for a short walk (along the route), and places to snap photos. There are 7 others besides me in the group. Kinda small group so we get more personal interaction with our guide. There were: Jag and Kim from US. Stephanie from Melbourne (and a Japanese family which I can’t remember their names now).

It took 2 hours to reach Te Anau further down south of Queenstown, which was the gateway to Milford. Nice spot to stretch your legs and  refill your tank. From there it took another 3 hours to reach Milford. Once you’re there. You could do the kayaking or jump onto the boat cruise. I chose the latter. But on a hindsight, the kayaking would be more majestic. Try it!

Get some solitary moments on your own. Put on your headphones and play some Walter Mitty soundtracks too, whatever rock your boat.

The one hour and half minute cruise was amazing. We saw bunch of seals lazying on rocks and awesome waterfalls. Tips: Get your raincoat on & hide your camera/phone when the boat approaches one of the waterfall.

The thing about Milford Sound is, it isn’t  the final destination that matters. But the places and the new faces you meet  along the way that make everything’s memorable.

Day 3: further down under {blog}

If you ever thinking of backpacking in Queenstown, you could try Haka Lodge: it’s a bit hidden back on Henry street. But the place is new (with thick cosy mattress).

 

the kitchen in Haka Lodge

 
There’s a mini market at every corner for your indomee supply, Whitaker bar and V energy drink.

I tried Absoloot hostel too. Also new facility, just 4 years old. This one faces Lake Wakatipu. You can watch the sunset while enjoying a cool breezy evening walk by the wharf, or from your bed. 

 

Absoloot hostel faces Wakatipu Lake

 
Halal restaurants are available too, google them online before you go.

And don’t forget to bring your favorite book. There’s always time for a page. 
As I said let your feet do the walking, but let your mind do the wandering.

Psst.. if you can’t travel now due to budget constraint. Start flipping those pages open, choose your genre or fantasy (… either that or we could the next trip together). 

 

Cafe at the Wharf facing Wakatipu Lake. Yes, that head is attached to a torso.

 
  

Wakatipu lake. Average depth 350 meters. On a fine day you migh see Aragorn goes for a quick dip

Blog [Day 2: Return of the son]

Hello constant readers, 

You might remember I spent Xmas and NYE in Amsterdam/France last year.

Yes, time flies,  it is time for another long solo trip. 

I got up early. The airport backpacker was okay, but not great. Grab the yellow bus as they charged you only $5 to get to the domestic terminal. 

The flight was smooth as babies butts, and it took two hours to reach the small town on the South West of the island. 
 

The Airport backpackers: this canadian guy going to ride the country on his bike. Isn’t it wonderful?

 

The backpacker in the town is way cooler. George  the receptionist was, to quote him, a ‘big bear cuddle.’ And with a beard too.

Got myself to the top of the skyline. Absorbed the view which was nothing less the magnificent, reminding myself that 2016 is about to end. What a better way than to finish it off with two scoops of ice cream. 

one scoop is $3.50. two scoops is $4. trust me they served big. stick with one.

Now I’m back at the backpackers, in the company of a Canadian who just did the big jump. And a Dutch who’s going to cycle to the Sound tomorrow morning.

Dont forget to relax, plus chat up with fellow travellers

The sunset is at 9pm. I got plenty more light to kill.

The wind is cold, but this time it’s forgiving. 

Yes, I’m back.
Her prodigal son has returned.