I have to say, the highlight of the trip began today for me. I'm referring to Milford Sound, which includes the drive from Te Anau through more amazing beech forest, the stunning sheer mountains around the area of the Homer Tunnel, and the numerous (free) natural attractions on the way.
Lots of walking today!
The first walk was to Mistletoe Lake (about 30 mins), then through red beech trees to Gunn Lake (about 40 minutes), Mirror Lakes (not that they were particularly reflective when we were there, owing to a slight wind rippling the surface) and finally The Chasm—a particularly spectacular view of the Claddau River forcing its way through a rock chasm. On the way there I photographed an obliging bellbird, though sadly the pics didn't turn out very well.
Then the real climax of the whole trip: the overnight cruise on board the Milford Wanderer. This trip was organised by Real Journeys (who also did: the ferry to Stewart Island, the tour to Ulva Island, the tour to Te Anau Glow-worm Caves and who seem to have the lion share of many other tourist attractions in the south. But they're excellent, so that's all right).
Pictures: our overnight cruise vessel, The Milford Wanderer; Misty Mountains; spontaneous waterfalls
The weather was misty / bordering on raining, but that didn't matter a bit. Quite the contrary, in fact, because we had views of spectacular waterfalls (which, we learned, can disappear minutes after the rain stops), and it was clear enough to see lovely scenes of mist wisping through the high peaks.
We moored at Harrison's Cove, and boarded kayaks and a tender-boat for a trip around the shoreline. We were originally going to kayak, but were put off with stories of Great Wetness, cameras overboard, and general discomfort! The other advantage of the tender-boat—other than dryness—was that we had the benefit of the excellent guide, Richard. And we saw a pair of Southern Crested Penguins. I was able to photograph them (on my phone—my camera's battery had died, and the charger was in the car!) but, like the bellbird earlier in the day, the pics were not fantastic.
Back on board for a really good 3-course meal, supplemented with several wines. We were joined by Bob, a very companionable American university professor of football coaching (!) who was by himself.

Map pins: Milford township; Mitre Peak; Harrisons Cove