Days 5 & 6

We left Queenstown and headed in the direction of Milford Sound. We didn’t go on the Milford Sound cruise on Day 5, but checked out the many places to see along the way there. We actually visited some of the places twice (once on Day 5 and again on Day 6 because Day 5 was really cloudy, and the photos didn’t do much justice to how beautiful the places really were).

Eglinton Valley

We made a quick stop here to get some photos, because there wasn’t really much to do, and the place was swarming with sandflies. This was one of the places we went twice because the clouds really obstructed the view the first time we went here. This gorgeous valley was formed by a glacier.

Lake Gunn

When I was doing my research for the trip, I had read reviews saying how Lake Gunn boasted way better views of the mountains reflected in the lake than the Mirror Lakes, provided the conditions allowed for it. On Day 5, the water was perfectly still, but the mountains were blocked by the clouds. The weather cleared up significantly on Day 6 but there was a bit of wind blowing, disturbing the water surface and we didn’t get to see the reflection of the mountains and sky in the water. It was alright though; the view was still beautiful, and the 45-minute return walk was enjoyable and easy, through a cooling forest filled with mossy trees.

Mirror Lakes

An easy 5-minute walk from the carpark. The Earl Mountains were reflected perfectly in the lakes, which were more like large ponds.

The Chasm

A 20-minute walk through a forest, leading you to a chasm. The Cleddau river carved out the many potholes you see here – a magnificent display of the power of water and erosion.

Milford Sound

The highlight of our two days in the Fiordland National Park. I was excited for this cruise because it was a change from all the walks we were doing… not that I was getting tired of them, but a little variety is always welcome! Also, I’ve seen pictures of it on social media, and was eager to experience her beauty with my own eyes! And boy, she did not let us down.

And “experience” truly is the word to use because we didn’t just observe the scenery from the deck of the boat – we got drenched from Stirling Falls’ spray when the boat poked its nose near the falls!

Another large waterfall we passed by was Bowen Falls. We only viewed it from a distance, though.

Lake Te Anau, near Te Anau Downs

This was the part of the lake we drove past on the way to our accommodation on Day 5. We decided to make a stop here on Day 6, and it was a good call! Definitely the most beautiful jetty I’ve ever been on.

Where we stayed

For 2 nights, we stayed in a town called Te Anau, known as the gateway to Milford Sound. Our airbnb had a cute little name: Takahe’s Nest (Did you know: Takahes are a critically endangered bird endemic to New Zealand). The tiny home had everything we needed, and had a cool electric fireplace. Note: It comes with a portable stove, kept in one of the drawers! We only found the stove later on in our stay here, so we didn’t do any cooking here.

And this was where I witnessed the most dramatic and beautiful sunrise in my entire life. We were in the midst of some last minute packing before heading to Wanaka, when I decided to take a peek outside from behind the curtains. I immediately dropped everything and took out my camera from my backpack to document the precious moments as the sun rose.