Mighty Milford Sound

After a fantastic three days tramping the beautiful Routeburn Track, there was nothing for it but to go somewhere arguably even more beautiful - Milford Sound. We knew we were in for another treat as we drove out to the Sound with dramatic mountains on either side of us.

The drive to the Sound from the Routeburn trailhead

Matt's planning came into its own on arrival at Milford Lodge (4 bed dorm with your husband and parents-in-law anyone?) when we opened the chilly bin to find our barbeque meat and beers still chilled from the mountains of ice we had stowed inside before departing on our tramp. Cold beers and a delish barbeque were just what we needed. The sandflies, which Milford Sound is famous for, a little less so.

It wasn't cold - this is just what you have to
wear to have a hope of not getting bitten to shreds.
Please note Clare's sock in flip flop fashion statement!

After a slightly better night's sleep (despite the phantom snorer from the Routeburn somehow having snuck into our room) we were up and off early for our kayaking adventure out into the Sound. Team Cope was very excited, particularly as Matt's planning had ensured that we were to have some cross-couple bonding with me to share a kayak with Pete, and Matt with his mummy. OK, some of us were a bit more excited than others.

Very happy to be kayaking with his mum!

Once we had mastered the basics and worked out who was captain of each vessel we set off and spent a thoroughly enjoyable three hours paddling through the enormous expanse of water in the Sound itself.

Waterfalls and atmospheric clouds

Am I really here?!?

Right at home on a boat

The time went really quickly (although our arms were starting to get heavy) and soon we were mooring up. Just time for a quick photo of us in our kayaking attire.

Yes, that's right - Pete is wearing leggings

We hadn't quite had our fill of the Sound after the kayaking so returned in the afternoon for a pint and some more pics of the stunning views.

Very happy to be here!

Moody (the Sound, not us)

Reflections

Gorgeous

 Before parting at Queenstown Airport the next day we just had time to enjoy our Christmas present from Chris, Naomi, Caleb and Esme - a trip up the famous Skyline and two luge rides!
The views and the high octane adrenaline rush of the luge did not disappoint.

Awesome view of the Southern Alps

Well, it was a high octane rush, until I got stuck right at
the end and held up just one or two fellow daredevils!

 A wonderful few days all round - definitely a highlight of our time in NZ so far.

Thanks C, N, C & E for a brill Xmas pressie!