Monday, April 14, 2025
We were up extra early today because with stops, we drove 6 hours to the spectacular Milford Sound. Milford is the furthest north of the 14 sounds on the west coast of New Zealand. I wasn’t particularly looking forward to the long journey. But due to seat assignments, Ivonne and I were blessed to have the FRONT SEAT across from our driver, Oz.
Believe it or not, this man has driven this route 2,075 times in the last 18 years.
We took a stop at Mirror Lake. Even though it was raining, we still had a little bit of a mirror effect.
As we were descending towards the sound, we came upon the Homer Tunnel. It is a one-way, 3/4 mile long tunnel built from 1935 – 1953. It goes through a solid granite mountain.
As we emerged from the other side, we understood why Jerrod said that the heavy rainfall was good ….. WATERFALLS. MASSIVE WATERFALLS.
We boarded a boat and toured the sound for 2 hours. Incredible waterfalls….
The rain did let up, and I understand that many of the waterfalls will stop within an hour or so. That means our timing to be there was perfect.
Now for the trek back to Queenstown. As Oz expertly drove us back, even WAY past dark, we all napped, took only ONE potty break, and watched The Hunt for The Wilderpeople (a NZ made movie). We got back to Queenstown at 8 pm; a 4.5 hour return journey. All together: a 13-hour day.
We got back to our room, stripped off, and headed out for a carafe of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc and some yummy bread.
It’s now 10pm and we are in bed. Man, this feels good.
Only one more day in Queenstown, and then we start our big journey home.
Freebirds Frolic 
WOW! How incredibly beautiful! All the waterfalls reminds me of living in Yosemite and all the temporary waterfalls after a heavy rain. Rainbows and a driver named Oz! Does it get any better!?!
Thank you so much for taking us on this incredible journey with you!
I Love You 🖖🏼🌈❤️
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I thought of you and Yosemite yesterday. I assumed you saw the same thing there.
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We were so incredibly blessed to live at the Grand Canyon. All of the wait staff we have encountered has reminded me of us. ❤️
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Wow! The waterfalls are incredible!
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You would have LOVED them. The sound alone blew me away!
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Another incredible two days of adventure. The scenery is breathtaking! Thanks for sharing! Love you…
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I love you! Only one more day of adventure. We get to sleep in and prep for the long journey tomorrow.
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Stunning scenery If it were me, I would have loved to have stopped over and come back in the morning. 13 hours, most of it driving, is BRUTAL. Then again, I’m not a driver…. Kayaking through that area would have made my heart soar. I’ve very much enjoyed visiting New Zealand with you and Yvonne.
Murky
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I concur. When Dennis and I went to Doubtful Sound 9 years ago, we stayed in Te Anau, which is MUCH closer. But when on an organized tour, there are trade offs.
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Things have changed A LOT here in 9 years.
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Oh WOWWWW, what timing! That WAS a long day, but what a beautiful spot. Such a great, experiential trip. So appreciate you keeping us up to speed. Not sure I would have had the bandwidth to do that with the pace you’ve been on, so KUDOS to you, girlfriend!!!
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Why, thanks!! It’s been a whirlwind for sure.
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