Thurs. Jan. 31 Dunedin

Hello to All,
Well we were not too worse for wear after our climb to the Rob Roy Glacier on Wednesday. Dan said it was nothing but it was a personal challenge and victory for me. The uphill climb was a little hard on the breathing at times.

Today we said good-bye to Wanaka and hello Dunedin. It is a beautiful seaside resort. We had a lovely late lunch and went in search of the Little Blue Penguin in the wild. Brenda was able to spot several at the Albatross Centre, along with a variety of birds and a sea lion that Dan got up close and personal with!

We now have wifi so we will try to post a few photos as we go! Hope all are well at home.
Love the NZ Adventurers

Leaving the Glacier Behind

The Mountaineers Part One

The Mountaineers Part Two

Inspiring View

Victory...we made it! The glacier is over 2760 feet above sea level

First Lookout

Getting Closer

A good hour into the climb

No Kidding

See that snow in the distance...Rob Roy Glacier

Raspberry Creek ... Base to climb Rob Roy Track to Glacier

On our way to Raspberry Flats

Ford...not the vehicle but warning that the road may be washed out by mountain streams...proceed with caution! There were only 7 of those on the way to Raspberry Flats.

On our way to Raspberry Flats

On our way to Raspberry Flats

Wed. Jan. 30 On the way to Raspberry Flats

Last image of day!

Tues. Jan. 29 Visit to Rippon Vineyard

Good wine...Better view!

Too pretty

View along hike route

Hike along Clutha River near Wanaka

Sunset over Fiordland

This one's for Rob and Kerry (and John)...red deer farms

Saying farewell to Milford

Lazy Seals in the Sound

Sizeable cliffs

Sound Advice

Happy Cruisers, although somewhat wind-blown!

Beautiful colours

Milford Fiord

Milford Fiord one of many waterfalls

Juicy Cruise in Milford Sound

Mount Tutoko

Awesome View Again

Drinking from Mountain Spring Monkey Creek

Awesome Views

Mirror Lakes

Leaving farmland ... Entering Southern Alps and Fiordland National Park

Monday Jan. 28 cross country trip to Milford Sound

Boarded bus at 7 a.m. And drove to Queenstown and then transferred to a Juicy Tour Bus. This method of travel that was recommended to us as we knew the roads were under construction, challenging to navigate, tree avalanches and recent rock slides... Besides the drivers wanted to enjoy the views also. The round trip by bus was 10 hours but worth it! The views will tell the story.

Sunday Lake Wanaka Destination Reached

A beautiful area .. Kind of like Alberta Rockies

Sunday Jan 27 Drive to Wanaka Southern Alps in Distance

Drive to Wanaka

Daniel, Dan says you have already been to Middle Earth - they even named a mountain after you!

Tomorrow heading to Wanaka Sunday January 27th

Hello Everyone,

Just to let you know we are on the road again tomorrow. A good 5-6 hour drive without any stops....heading to Wanaka! Moving to rugged lands and onto Fiordland soon. Hope all are well at home, stay warm! Will post when we get settled. Fran and the NZ adventurers

Sat Lunch on Patio in Hanmer

Hot Springs

Here you could choose from regular pools, therapeutic pools, hot rock and sulphur pools, and tons of slides, and water rides for kids. A beautiful day to soak in the warm healing waters.

View all around Hanmer

Climbing to top of Conical Hill

Today we drove from Christchurch for a day trip to Hanmer. It is famous for its hot springs set among the mountains....reminding us of Banff!

Fri. Jan 25 Trip to Akaroa

After the ice and snow, we headed southeast out of Christchurch to a lovely village called Akaroa. This is the scene before heading down into the valley. The lakes are actually resting in an old volcanic crater.

Brenda and Friends

Feeding the Little Blue Penguins

Antarctic Experience...not a fan!

Fri. Jan. 25 International Antarctic Centre

Today, because after a sweltering 36 degrees earlier this week, we decided to visit a cold place to remind us of what we are missing in Canada! Antarctic winds, snow, below freezing temperatures, penguins, all-terrain vehicle ride, etc. and learn about early explorations and current scientific studies happening here.