Jusrt got back to Queenstown after a three night adventure to what i believe to be the most picturesque place in the world, the photo here really does not do Milford justice.

The sun shone for our final day in Queeenstown, perfect to take in the views on the gondola, at 500 metres above the town the views are incredible. In the afternoon we found a cracking wine tasting place, smack in the small town centre, they have over 600 wines, 80 to taste, nice comfy leather chairs too. We (Martin & BJ) spent a couple of hours chilling out and ordered a massive platter of cheese, ham and the works, just hit the button.

We decided to stay a few nights in Te Anau on our way to Milford. As with my last trip down under, i got a speeding ticket, i was going 113KM so fair cop but it was only 13 over the limit. The irony about this is that i got cautioned by the police on New Years day for going too slow at 80?, if it states 100, as most roads are, then you have to go at 100 to keep the traffic flowing, i was just following orders!. Anyway we wasted no time in Te Anua, we booked a bed in a hut on the Kepler track and went off tramping. We bought a couple of bottles of wine, some bread, nuts etc, packed the backpacks and started walking. It was a 6 hour walk, the first hour and a half was flat along the river, the rest was a steep, winding path, muddy, wet forest walk and very steep, rising to 3000 feet with just incredible views at the end. we started off in shots and t-shirts but when we reached the top it was grey, slight drizzle with a biting wind. The views over to the other mountains were breathtaking, snow capped mountains, forest in parts, waterfalls and they were covered with a light mist. The hut was busy with lots of experienced (and serious) walkers with all the gear, we did look a bit odd as everyone had healthy stuff, fancy pots and food, we just had the alcohol and bird food. We were last ones to bed after playing cards which was just a hut with 60 bunks, each with a thin plastic mattress. The wind howled through the hut and it was cold but a great feeling to sleep on the mountain top. The next day we trekked back down and headed to town for a big bowl of soup, it was so tasty and well deserved. We stopped over at Steamers backpackers, well recommended, after chilling for a few hours we treated ourselves to an excellent meal of New Zealand lamb at the fat duck, another great recommendation, not cheap but great quality.

So onto Milford, the drive is fantastic and we stopped numerous times to take photos or go on small walks to waterfalls, lakes or viewpoints. There are just so many photo opportunities. We took the 13.15 cruise on the Foird, i struggle to find adequate words to do justice to Milford, as i've said earlier. It's the sheer size that is impressive, mountains that shoot up a mile out of the ocean, waterfalls three times larger than Niagra, and sealoins just chilling on rocks. Simply awesome, can't say anymore, the most impressive views i have seen in my life. In the afternoon we drive down to a creek, cracked open a nice bottle of red and just relaxed as the water flowed over the boulders with the massive mountains looming over us. We popped into the only pub in town for a few beers, then had our evening meal (bird food again from the supermarket) overlooking Milford. Cheap crap food that tastes fantastic in the surroundings.

So here we are today, we got up at the crack of dawn this morning to go Kayaking. I don't want to harp on again about the scenery, done that. With the Kayaks it gave us chance to get a bit more close and personal with nature, we were a whisker away from the sealoins, in fact one was just swimming around the boat with us. The company we used was Roscoes, again, well recommended, the guide was superb, very chilled and easy going with great knowledge. A really relaxing trip that makes your jaw just drop. I would love to try and explain Milford but i can't, you just have to experience it for yourself, i knew this would be a highlight of my trip and it didn't disappoint.

So tonight, were off on a bit of a bar craw, meet up with some friends and have a beer with BJ who has got a job in a bar. Tomorrow we head for the glaciers, first overnight in Fox and then onto the majestic Franz Josef which i have heard so much about. Another couple of cracking days to look forward to.

Bye for now