The weather this morning was beautiful, sunny and clear with nothing but a few fluffy white clouds in the sky. To our delight we got the call to say that the forecast for Milford Sound was good and our special helicopter trip could go ahead this morning.

On arriving at Queenstown airport we were introduced to our pilot, Buck Rodgers (yes, really!!) and within minutes we were up, up and away in our beautiful Squirrel helicopter. From then on the 'wow' factor took over completely and it would be impossible to describe the beauty of all those green valleys, snow covered peaks, icy lakes, waterfalls, rivers, rocky crags, and oh yes, even more superb snow covered ridges and peaks as we travelled over the Southern Alps, at times seeming so close that we could almost touch them! Simon admitted to being just a little bit scared at times but Amanda was enjoying herself far too much for that!

We were both sitting in the front next to our pilot and so had an excellent view of all the sights below. As well as having the very best of piloting skills Buck was also a fantastic guide, pointing out and naming for us the mountains and lakes we were passing over. Our first landing was on the shores of Lake Quill, high up in the snow and the view was just stunning. We took off again and this time headed on down to the Tasman sea and landed on Transit beach. Much warmer here and an entirely different but equally fascinating landscape!!

On taking off again we rounded the headland and there was the entrance to Milford Sound directly ahead of us. We travelled all the way up the Sound admiring many waterfalls along the way, and the spectacular Mitre Peak, before landing at the tiny Milford Sound airport. We took a short walk before once again heading for the skies.

This time we headed way up again into the mountains and up to Mount Tutoko, the highest mountain in the range, where we landed on a small plateau by a glacier. The wind was fierce and the snow was blowing. Buck was keen to get away as there were some ominous looking clouds closing in. After a quick photo we were back in the helicopter on our way out of there and down to greenlower levels.

Next landing was at the Moonlight Lodge, a very remote and secluded Lodge up on Moonlight Saddle. In contrast to up above, the weather here was warm and sunny. Buck unpacked the most amazing picnic lunch of salmon, cold meats, cheeses, crusty bread and strawberries, washed down with a welcome bottle of pink champagne! We enjoyed our meal sitting in the sunshine before boarding the helicopter once more for the short hop back to Queenstown airport. All in all we were away for about 4 hours, It was an amazing and unforgettable trip which simple words are not adequate to describe although I have certainly tried!!