New Zealand, Part 12: Milford Sound

Our last full day in Queenstown was a bust -- as in a budget buster. We went for it. All the way. The whole enchilada. We were so lucky to have so many friends and family that contributed to our New Zealand dreams, because this day in Milford Sound was one of the best I've ever had and certainly most scenic.

We took a charter bus out to Milford Sound, took a ferry out to the ocean, and then a tiny private plane back over the mountains. It was amazing. I am partial to the glowworm caves, but this was Michael's favorite thing.

Our only failure, was forgetting the big kid camera, so iPhone photography it is. We stopped a few times as we drove through the South Island.

At least when Michael is taking the pictures, and trying to make up for a forgotten camera, 

he does a pretty great job.

I had the urge to run quite a long way into the field. The tourists on the bus did not appreciate waiting for me to run back...still worth it though.

 The water was so beautiful and because it was all coming out of springs, 

we filled up our water bottles.

The fresh spring water may have been the thing that Michael talked to people about the most when we got home. "I just filled up my water--right out of the spring!" 

I like him.

 Although we were very pleased (and quite lucky) to have beautifully clear weather, the mountains that we drove through are filled with glaciers and steep cliffs and when it rains the cliff faces stream with waterfalls. We'll just have to go back on a cloudy day, I suppose.

We hopped on the ferry, where we provided a lunch, from the Pita Pit (pronounced Peeta Pet). That was the sight of many a 2:00 am date for Michael and I while I lived in Logan, so it felt right.

The sound opened to the ocean, where I imagined all my whale friends frolicking about. 

We passed by this water fall, while Michael and I were standing on the deck. The captain announced that they were closing the doors, to avoid water blowing in to the cabin. We were unconcerned. The only other lady who was outside was a Japanese woman and her 90 year-old grandmother, who had never traveled before.

Japanese grandma, was very excited about the waterfall and was howling with laughter when...

...we all got soaked.

 

 (This photo was pre-waterfall.)

I'd never seen my husband skip before, but I have to say, we were rather giddy when we saw our little plane.

A nice spot for a plane parking lot.

 Sheepskin seats? Naturally. 

 See? Giddy. 

Driving over the mountains was amazing. It's the same flight that ends the first Hobbit Movie. Although, we preferred our little plane, to an eagle.

Good bye, Milford Sound.

 

 

 Tallest waterfall in the country.

I may have cried. Just a little. When we flew over this blue, blue lake. Apparently the hike to get here takes three days. I might just have to do that. 

 So pretty.

As we flew over the mountains, we could see Queenstown, and it's beautiful lake. Michael and I kept hitting each other and trying to get the other to look at their side of the plane. Both sides of the plane, however, were amazing and beautiful.

 

We might be even giddier than when we took off. 

 Not a bad last day in NZ, eh?