Driving Down to Queenstown New Zealand

We continue to be astounded by the scenery on the South Island of New Zealand as it is renowned for its mountains, lakes and glaciers. About two hours from Fox Glacier, you drive by Lake Wanaka nestled by majestic mountains:

There's a small parcel of land called 'the neck' separating this from another major lake, Hawea:

Years ago, these lakes were together and this 1 km stretch of land was built up over time. Driving down, you quickly realize that as there are only 1 million people on the South Island, there are not a lot of towns or villages interrupting the landscape. You also have to be careful with gas as they have signs saying 'no gas for 190 km'. Where we stopped overnight, there was only one store, one gas station and one hotel. But look at our view!

Travelling down to Queenstown, you drive through the mountains until it opens up to a plateau of farms:

Queenstown is small with only 14,000 people. It's a resort town but more than doubles in size with lodges and motels:

We took a day trip to Milford Sound, New Zealand's famous fiord. When we left Queenstown it was brilliant sunshine but the guide cautioned that it would be raining in Milford as it rains 190 days a year there. This fiord is a long, narrow inlet with steep sides and cliffs. The deep sided rock faces go up to 2,200 metres (over 6,000 feet). When we got there, we couldn't see the tops of the higher rocks with the overcast but it was still surprisingly beautiful (the white dots at the base of the rocks are ferries): 

It started to rain hard when we were passing Copper Point where there are gale force, sometimes hurricane force winds (the Tasman Sea meets up with the Pacific). The captain said it would be a great experience to 'feel' the power of the wind and all on board were eager to do this until walking out:

I'm the idiot in the picture hanging on for dear life with winds of 75 km per hour (hurricane is 85 km). I got soaked- and to be honest- I'm surprised they even let anyone out on the deck with those winds.

Going back, we drove into gorgeous weather again:

This island is really quite remarkable in its grandeur and natural beauty.