New Zealand - November 2007 Galleries

Milford Track, Day 1 - November 10, 2007 : Back in June when I decided to visit New Zealand, I started researching possible hikes on the South Island. One that caught my eye is the world famous Milford Track. Barring avalanche or other delay, hikers spend 3 nights and 4 days on the track. Nights are spent in huts maintained by the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). On day 1, a bus took hikers from Te Anau to Te Anau Downs, and then a boat took us to Glade Wharf. For whatever reason, Day 1 only involves hiking 3 miles to the Clinton hut, so it was an easy day.

Milford Track, Day 1 - November 10, 2007

Back in June when I decided to visit New Zealand, I started researchi ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 7:30pm PST

Milford Track, Day 2 - November 11, 2007 : Day two was a little more strenuous than day 1, with 10.25 miles to the Mintaro Hut. Most of the Track was flat until the last hour or so which was uphill. I am not a fan of ending the day with a climb. Since the weather was still nice, after resting at the hut for a few hours, I headed up to the top of Mackinnon pass to see the view (I'd have to climb it again the next day as part of the track, but you never know what the weather will be like). Click here for video from the top.

Milford Track, Day 2 - November 11, 2007

Day two was a little more strenuous than day 1, with 10.25 miles to th ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 1:48am PST

Milford Track, Day 3 - November 12, 2007 : Day 3 started out with a repeat climb to the top of the Mackinnon pass. It was rainy, so I got a chance to try out my raingear. When I got to the top, it was snowing, and so windy that my pack cover flew off, and I had to chase after it. I took a break at the shelter at the top, and then began the interminable descent. I thought I was never going to see level ground again. When the path finally did level off, there was a side trip to the Sutherland Falls. On the way, I saw a Kiwi which is apparently quite rare during the day. I went behind the falls and took a few pictures, but you can't see much. Day 3 mileage: 8.7 miles to the Dumpling Hut.

Milford Track, Day 3 - November 12, 2007

Day 3 started out with a repeat climb to the top of the Mackinnon pass ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 1:53am PST

Milford Track, Day 4 - November 13, 2007 : Day 4 consisted of an 11.2 mile hike to the aptly named Sandfly Point. The previous day's rain caused little waterfalls everywhere, and the path had standing water in a few places.

Milford Track, Day 4 - November 13, 2007

Day 4 consisted of an 11.2 mile hike to the aptly named Sandfly Point. ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 1:55am PST

Milford Sound - November 13, 2007 : After catching a boat from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound. I took a cruise of the Sound which apparently is technically a fijord because it was formed by glaciers.

Milford Sound - November 13, 2007

After catching a boat from Sandfly Point to Milford Sound. I took a c ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 2:15am PST

Driving to the West Coast - November 14, 2007 : I caught a bus from Te Anau to Queenstown and rented a car so that I could drive to the Franz Josef glacier on the West Coast. I passed through Wanaka on my way to the coast, and stopped at some scenic overlooks. I got to the coast while it was still light, so I tried to find a good place to see the susnet. I ended up at Jackson Bay which unfortunately did not have a direct view of the sun, but I did find some penguins. Click here for video of the penguins.

Driving to the West Coast - November 14, 2007

I caught a bus from Te Anau to Queenstown and rented a car so that I c ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 2:04am PST

Hokitika - November 15, 2007 : I was supposed to do a Helihike at the Franz Josef glacier, but it was canceled due to rain. I could've done a day hike, but my legs were toast, so I made my way up the coast to Hokitika where my flight back to Christchurch left from. I got another shot at a sunset in Hoki. I need a DSLR and some filters...

Hokitika - November 15, 2007

I was supposed to do a Helihike at the Franz Josef glacier, but it was ...

Updated: Nov 29, 2007 6:52pm PST

Christchurch - November 16, 2007 : I had to fly back to Christchurch in order to catch a plane to Sydney. It was a holiday in NZ, and lots of places were closed, so I wandered around the city.

Christchurch - November 16, 2007

I had to fly back to Christchurch in order to catch a plane to Sydney. ...

Updated: Nov 29, 2007 7:17pm PST

Highlights : This is for my lazy pals who don't want to go through the galleries. I've pulled out some of the highlights of New Zealand. However, you're missing a lot of cool stuff in the galleries! I also strongly suggest checking out my videos.

Highlights

This is for my lazy pals who don't want to go through the galleries. ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 7:24pm PST