23-JAN-2007
These photos were taken on the west coast of New Zealand’s far less populated south island. The area is dominated by rain forests, fiords/sounds and the Southern Alps mountain range. Many areas are inaccessible, particularly in Fiordland National Park.
This photo is typical of what we saw on walks in the rain forest.
24-JAN-2007
The fern is one of New Zealand’s national symbols
19-JAN-2007
We went sea kayaking in Milford and Doubtful Sounds. The highlight of our Milford trip was a group of bottle nosed dolphins that spent about 15 minutes swimming around and under the kayaks, sometimes leaping out of the water.
This photo shows our base for a superb day spent on Doubtful Sound. We traveled in a van, followed by a boat, followed by another van, and finally this boat from which the kayaks were launched. The boat was also used as a place to have lunch and for the return trip later in the day.
19-JAN-2007
Our group of five kayaks had the fiord virtually to ourselves. The only sounds were from paddles dipping into the water, birds in the rain forest, and distant waterfalls. The mist added to the profound sense of peace.
19-JAN-2007
The view from our lunch spot
19-JAN-2007
Barb feeling very fortunate to experience such a special place
