South Island, NZ: Queenstown & Milford Sound

The last of the New Zealand posts! Queenstown, Milford Sound, and Glenorchy are all such beautiful areas that pictures and words don't really do justice. The scenery at every turn was just beautiful, so much so, that I think we became "immune" to it after a few days.

In Queenstown we had a few days of snow and cold weather, which made for some good souvenir shopping, relaxing at our cozy house, and meat pie tasting. Nick and I also went out for a date night to a delicious fusion restaurant. I still have dreams about the duck nachos!

 

 
Nick and I hiked up Queenstown Hill one afternoon just as the clouds were clearing and were treated to some pretty awesome views over the city the surrounding valleys around. We had planned to take the chair lift up for views of the city but after seeing this, we decided Emmeline could go up with grandma and grandpa and Uncle Ben.

  

 

 

The house we rented in Queenstown was very historic and cozy, so we spent a lot of time playing at the house, enjoying the views, and eating breakfast in the cozy breakfast nook (and some delicious roasted lamb)!

 

 

 

 

 

Our big trip while in Queenstown was to Milford Sound. Although it was a long day (6am-6pm), we lucked out with the weather and had one of the few blue sky days in Milford Sound. The drive was almost as beautiful as the cruise itself. We enjoyed the cliffs (very much like the fjords in Norway), the waterfalls, and the seals throughout the cruise.

 

 

  

   

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

Afterward, we had a little picnic nearby before making the long drive back to Queenstown. We may all have fallen asleep at the same time on the trip back, making a long drive for Nick, ha!

 

 

Of course, we also had to visit Lord of the Rings land, and what beautiful country it is! The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy was stunning, every turn even more beautiful than the last. We didn’t allow enough time for a long hike, but we did find an easy path near town with great views and a peaceful picnic lunch. Definitely an area we will be back to some day!

 

 
 
 
 

 

Until next time, New Zealand, thanks for the memories!