Te Anau

After about a 4hr drive from Dunedin, we arrive to TeAnau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park (NZ’s largest national park) and Milford Sound. Nestled on the edge of TeAnau Lake, the largest of the South Island glacial lakes, this bustling little town is a popular base for tourists for all the hiking trails, water activities, camping and stunning alpine scenery. Plus, lots of lodging, bars, restaurants, shops, etc. Every hour the local theatre shows a short 32 minute film, ATA WHENUA - SHADOWLAND, which took us on a spectacular journey through the Fiordland wilderness via helicopter and drone with amazing views of this awe-inspiring landscape of mountains, gorges, and waterfalls filmed in all seasons. A great introduction to the spectacular Fiordland wilderness,

The next day we cruise across picturesque Lake Te Anau to the Glowworms Caves. We wpend over 2 hours inside the caves with a very knowledgeable guide, walking the paths through the dark winding underground 4-level limestone cave system with a strong rushing stream and underground waterfall. We finally board another small boat – in the dark cave - with a guide to take us deeper into the complete darkness and silence to see the glittering display of glowworms. Simply magical. We learn all about the lives of these amazing little creatures. Glowworms are only found in New Zealand and Australia. The species here is unique to only NZ. The glowworm is the larval stage of the mosquito-like Fungus Gnat. Glowworms produce a light in their tail called bioluminescence by chemicals in their digestive system. Their light will dim if they feel threatened and glow brighter when hungry. Caves are the perfect cool, dark, damp homes for glowworms to cling to the ceiling and hang their sticky fishing lines (similar to spider webs). They use their lights to attract their prey and their fishing lines to catch their food. (No, Gpa, you really did not need your sunglasses on!)

We leave early the next morning, for Milford Sound – a long winding roller coaster road through the forest of lush green trees, vines, ferns and mosses. Surrounded by cloud and snow topped mountains, rushing rivers and streams and countless waterfalls like strings coming down from the mountain tops. We have never seen anything like this! Absolutely breathtaking. Stunning. Before our descent to Milford Sound we pass through Homer Tunnel, a long ¾ mile single lane built through the mountain rock. Before the tunnel opened in 1954, after 19 years of construction, there was no road to Milford Sound. Now the road to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels.

What a Great Day!
XOXOXOXO
Gma & Gpa