Today began with a search for the famous Wanaka tree. Apparently, this tree is one of the most photographed trees in New Zealand since it stands alone on the shores of Lake Wanaka. At first glance it's unclear why it's such a photographed tree but the background was beautiful and the picture didn't turn out too bad!

Then we were off to Te Anau! The road took us up and up and up until we reached the top of the pass. From the pull out we could see Queenstown way in the valley. The roads down were something! They were the definition of hairpin turns!

We stopped in the outskirts of Queenstown for more supplies and groceries. The road then hugged the shores of Lake Wakatipu on our right and barren mountainsides on our left. Finally the road straightened out and I was able to actually reach the speed limit for the first time all trip - 100 km/hr!

As we left the lake the terrain was a large flat valley with mountains way off in the distance. We started to pass more farms again though much more range pastures than intensively managed grazing. Lots of deer farms as well!

We then arrived in Te Anau to our home in a very nice subdivision. The backyard is a large park and Liam loved watching the kids play with a dog and running in the grass. We are here two nights so we unpacked and got settled in. Keely found a "short" walk to the Fiordland National Park visitor center and bird sanctuary. What was advertised as a 45 minute walk turned into a 2 hour hike!

The bird sanctuary had many different species that were being rehabilitated including the once nearly extinct Takahe - a non-flying bird that is now only found in the wild on the mountains surrounding Lake Te Anau. There were also owls, ducks, parakeets and kakas. Then it was back to the house for homemade burgers! We leave bright and early in the morning for a day journey to cruise on Milford Sound.

It was another great day in New Zealand. Hard to believe it's already been a week!

Kevin