So hanging out in the glacier area of the western part of the South Island comes with a lot of beautiful scenery. You would seriously get bored with all the beautiful pics. We found that there is a lot to do in this area, particularly in regards to hiking, and both summer and winter sports. One also finds a lot of expats of various nationalities who came for holiday and never left. It’s easy to see why.
Of the places that came highly recommended by the locals were Milford and Doubtful Sounds. We tried to do a one-day airplane/boat cruise to Milford Sound, but the weather wouldn’t cooperate. That, however, turned out to be a good thing because instead, we did an overnight cruise of Doubtful Sound – much better option of the two. Gourmet meals, kayaking, fishing… Ok, if we have too… Again, need to support the local economy.
The cruise ship, which books a max of 10 passengers, had 5 passengers for our slumber party. (Part of the bennies of doing your travel at the slower time in the season).
Not many cruise ships had the additional benefit of a helicopter landing on their helipad. It seems our generator was not working, so an electrician had to be flown in. Not sure what would have happened if the fix hadn’t worked. But it was kinda cool anyway. I’m sure we looked a little weird tooling thru the sound with a heli on top. I think I’m adapting to the kiwi lingo. Good on ya mate!
So part of the trip required a grocery shopping trip for the crew. I told them to stick to the outside aisles. Lucky for us they were successful in their endeavors. Or dinner might have been shortbread biscuits (of which there were plenty.)
Little did we know there was much work that would be required of not only the crew, but the passengers as well. We had to fish for our dinner.
Fisherman Bob tried. Let’s just say it was a good attempt.
If it weren’t for my unmatched skills with the rod and reel, we might have gone hungry that night. Ok, the fresh lobster (or crayfish as the kiwi call them), brought in by the crew doesn’t count. Nor does the fact that most of the blue cod haul was brought in by the heli pilot!
While Bob was trying to add to the pot for dinner, I did a little kayaking. So for someone who has been in the bay area forever, it’s hard to believe this was my first time. I guess I could use our ever-present drought as my excuse. But whatever the reason, it’s definitely worth the effort. If Bob had chosen kayaking instead of fishing, he might have also been able to call the day a success. 😊
Next time Bob.
Because the population density of New Zealand is limited to a few areas, unlimited star gazing is a happy result. Most places we stayed, didn’t have the interference of city lights, so looking up gives way to one of the most magnificent panoramas New Zealand has to offer. It’s a little strange though when you can’t locate the Big Dipper. They do get the same moon, though. Being out on that boat afforded some spectacular night views. If only one of us was a real photographer, so we could share the experience with you… Sorry.
BTW, the Swan on the bunk was a special design by crew-member, lobster-wrangler Andy. Such a talent!