Bob and I had an early morning start on our first full day on the South Island of New Zealand. We were headed to Tonga Quarry for a hike on the scenic Abel Tasman Coast Track. Read more
Tag: South Island
Scenic Ferry Boat Ride to the South Island, New Zealand
After spending our first two weeks on the North Island of New Zealand, Bob and I were excited for the scenic ferry boat ride to the South Island. Complicating our plans was a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that had hit the South Island a few days prior to our arrival. We didn’t know what to expect when we landed in Picton. Read more
Our Cold, Wet Hike to Fox Glacier in New Zealand
When Bob and I stayed in the community of Fox Glacier on New Zealand’s South Island, it made perfect sense to hike into the actual glacier for a look. On the appointed day, a slight break in the rain encouraged us to set off, but we ended up hiking in cold, wet weather for a view of the ancient blue ice. Read more
A Tour of New Zealand’s Only White Heron Sanctuary
An opportunity to visit the only nesting site of White Herons in New Zealand could not be missed when traveling on the South Island near Whataroa. A day in advance, we booked ourselves on a tour that would take us to the heart of the Waitangiroto Nature Reserve to observe these elegant birds. Read more
Our Encounter with Wild Kea, the World’s Only Alpine Parrot
Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand abounds with picturesque landscapes. While there, several stops to appreciate the scenery also rewarded us with a couple of special bird sightings. One pullover afforded us the encounter we had hoped for. Several Kea, also known as New Zealand Mountain Parrots, flew in to greet us. Read more
Our walk among the whimsical limestone Elephant Rocks
From Oamaru, Bob and I made plans to visit the Elephant Rocks near Duntroon, some interesting limestone formations that were made famous by their appearance in the fantasy film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Read more
Eglinton River Valley Abloom With Russell Lupins In New Zealand
While staying for a few days in Te Anau on the South Island, Bob and I made frequent trips into Fiordland National Park. Panoramic views of the landscape were spectacular and in places made even more beautiful by broad swaths of Russell Lupins that grow in abundance there. Read more