Kayaking Milford Sound and hiking the Routeburn Track

Breakfast was at 6:45am. It was also cold- 38 degrees. After we ate, we were off to the outfitters for our second kayak adventure. Finn and Cam were our guides. They were fun, lots of humor and tons of information. They knew everything about Milford Sound and the area. We were in tandum kayaks and they gave us warm, wool clothes to put on. Tops, bottoms, spray skirts, hats, gloves. It was cold, so I am glade we had the wool. Milford Sound was amazing. The water was still and the sun was just beginning to rise over the mountains.





While we were having our safety briefing, we finally were able to see the Keas- the native parrot. They say they are pests and can be very destructive.

After seeing so manyn  temporary waterfalls yesterday, we kayaked past Lady Bowen Falls which is one of only a few permanent waterfalls. It shot out of the side of the mountain with such force. It was beautiful.


We saw one fur seal sitting on a rock and paddled around the sound. We kayaked about 3 hours.





We returned to the lodge, changed clothes and Mel made a yummy vegetarian chili with chips. We sadly had to leave Fiordland, but not without a hike to Key Lookout which is part of the Routeburn Track. Amazing views and look outs. Many small ponds, moss covered trees and small flowering plants.







We stopped at Mirror Lake on our way to our next destination.


We stayed at the Manapouri Lakeview Motor Inn. All the rroms faced the lake which was surrounded by mountains. The lake is 440 meters deep and 1170 kilometers of shoreline. 28 Kilometers long. The lake has 33 islands and is now a world heritage site. Fiordland National Park makes up 1/3 of the southern part of the South Island of NZ. Mel made venison with plum sauce. OMG!!!!!!

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