25/02/2018 - Fiordland has been reached

Arrived in "Te Anau". In the last few days we have always been heading towards "Fiordland". We made only short stops in different cities, villages or whatever you want to call them.

On February 21st we reached "Riverton". At that time the temperatures did not rise above 15 degrees - the first autumn breeze had reached us. Frequent rain showers and cool winds made exploring very uncomfortable. It was all the more beautiful to enter a carmine-heated lounge to warm up. The pool table was also used for a few games.

The next morning the showers did not stop. Since the check-out was only at 11:00 am, we sought shelter from the rain until then. Just before eleven o'clock the rain stopped. The next destination was "Tuatapere". On the way there we made several stops thanks to the relatively dry weather. First, we took a short hike - the "Riverton Coastal Track". The trail led through a forest and an uninhabited sheep pasture at the time. But the abandoned beach was not particularly exciting. The next stop was much more exciting. "Monkey Island" can only be reached at low tide. As if we had planned it, it was low tide when we arrived and we were able to explore the island on dry land. So we went up the hill - and down again. You definitely can't get lost. However, the island is quite cute with a small observation platform at the top. Well, the stop was not particularly exciting either, but the next one will be. Because at "Gemstone Beach" you are supposed to be able to find gemstones. We didn't need to be told twice. So off we went! There was already quite a crowd in the parking lot, a few were just analyzing and sorting their loot. That promised something. On the beach, we looked for suitable tools to search for the precious stones. Two branches were enough. We dug in the sand, investigated the coast, almost fell into the water out of curiosity while digging - but we didn't find much except for a few pretty stones. Too bad. We would have loved to make the big find. - Ok, ok. The stops were not really exciting, but they were fun. :)
We reached the campsite in Tuatapere at around 5:00 pm. It is part of a cute café. In addition to homemade cakes, they sell vegetables from their own garden.

The next morning, February 23rd, started with a quick shower. You paid $2 for three whole minutes of water! Once the machine swallowed the coin, it had to go quickly. After the short shower and a good breakfast, the journey continued towards "Lake Hauroko". This remote lake can only be reached via 24 kilometers of gravel road. At the destination, a beautiful panorama awaits. A lonely wooden walkway leads out onto the lake and is surrounded by tall, green mountains. Several hikes start from here. One of them leads up to the "Oblong Hill". The track first runs along the lake. After crossing several streams and muddy puddles, the trail turned right and headed for the summit. It became increasingly steep as we climbed. The higher we got, the more slippery it became. Targeted grips on tree roots and branches prevented slipping on muddy stones. The last part to the summit was particularly challenging. It was almost vertical and after exactly 1.5 hours we reached the rocky ledge and thus the end of the track. We were greeted by strong winds on site. However, this did not prevent us from enjoying the view with a delicious apple slice and a cereal bar. Time and time again, at the end of such a steep hike, we are amazed at what we are capable of. From above we recognized the wooden walkway that we had seen at the beginning of the hike. After only 90 minutes we had come a long way and climbed several meters in altitude.
On the way back, we only made smaller photo stops - and after another 1.5 hours we arrived back at the car. But now on to "Manapouri". During the drive, the Fiordland welcomed us with fabulous views and high mountains. The anticipation for the "Fiordland National Park" grew larger and larger.

The next morning greeted us with sunny weather. While having breakfast, we had a picturesque view of the surrounding mountains. We wanted to take advantage of the good weather for an extraordinary hike. Therefore, we went to the lakeshore of Lake Manapouri. From here, a water taxi transports diligent hikers to the start of several hiking trails. Just like us, another older couple was waiting for the captain. Once he arrived, the formalities were settled and the $25 per person were paid, there was nothing standing in the way of the boat trip. After everyone had boarded and put on their life jackets, the taxi driver started his boat. We set course... to the opposite river bank. We discovered a jetty and wondered if that was already the destination? After less than two minutes, we docked and as the Kiwi lady put it so nicely: "That was a short trip!". Somewhat astonished, we got off the boat. $25 (about €15) for less than two minutes of travel, sounds quite expensive somehow ...
We set ourselves a day hike. The "Circle Track" took us through a nature reserve for eight kilometers to an outlook 376 meters higher up. Through native bush with lots of moss and fern, we reached the first signpost after 20 minutes. From there, the further route was well signposted. We always followed the orange triangles hanging on trees at regular intervals and after 1.5 hours we reached the upper viewpoint. Once again, the efforts were worth it - high mountains, long rivers, and the fjord were wonderfully recognizable. After a small food break, we descended the mountain again. On the way back, we found two ideal hiking sticks that will accompany us on future hikes. We even gave them a personal engraving on the same day. :)

25th February - rain showers followed by sunshine. Low-hanging clouds and heavy rain showers blocked any views on the journey to Te Anau. Therefore, we reached the small town on the same-named lake relatively early. After visiting the information center (i-Site), we went to the new campsite. Since the weather did not promise any improvement, we retreated to the TV room. Here we used the time to charge our camera batteries and watch cricket - the New Zealand national team was playing. In addition, we used the internet reception to organize our further travel. Because the next destination should be the somewhat remote "Milford Sound". We booked a boat tour and reserved spots at the local campsite.
In the evening, we were able to enjoy a nice conversation with an older gentleman in addition to a delicious meal. We exchanged experiences and stories and raved about this beautiful country to each other.