For our second day in Queenstown we had booked to fly to the Milford Sounds for a cruise around the fiord and do some kayaking but although the day turned out clear and sunny in Queenstown the weather in Milford (other side of the NZ Southern Alps) was not so good. Upshot was that we had to miss the kayaking and as unable to fly back would need to get a coach back.

Arrived at airport and a little alarmed that we had to don a lifejacket before getting on the plane (Cesna 172) and as part of the safety briefing shown the location of the axe beneath the front seat in case of crash conditions and need to smash way out of said plane!!!

Took off in lovely calm conditions with blue skies and stunning views over Queenstown. However the pilot was worried about prevailing conditions and said that although he would do his best to get us through, if the weather worsened and he couldn't find his way through the clouds he would need to turn back!! As we approached the Alps, the wind and cloud increased considerably and the pilot attempted to go through a couple of passes and breaks in the clouds, a bit bouncy !!. He eventually found a break in the north and was able to cross the Alps. We then travelled at lower levels below the clouds along the sea and directly into and along Milford Sound which proved a brilliant and unexpected entry to the sounds but a rather traumatic flight and one that Sue didn't want to repeat on the return journey - hence opted for the coach journey home!

The cruise was fabulous with spectacular views along the fiord, close-ups to the remarkable waterfalls and close encounters with the native fur seals (gorgeous!).

Finished off in Queenstown with a lovely meal in an old established restaurant; The Cow, actually set in an old cow barn (as recommended by Matthew and Rachael -thank you guys xx). Seating very cosy but met some really nice Americans from NY city.