February 17 — Christchurch to Te Anau

Got up early to catch a bus to Te Anau. It was a long bus ride with a few stops for meals and restroom breaks. We saw a penguin on the beach at Timaru. When we stopped in Dunedin I helped a guy get his bike off my bag. I was trying to keep a close eye on my things. But when we got to Te Anau my bag wasn't on the bus. It had been sent to Invercargil. I called the bus supervisor and he tracked it down for me and said it'll be here in the morning. I was nervous since our scheduled hike on the Milford Track started the next day. We had some awesome pizza for dinner that night.

February 18 — Milford Track to Clinton Fork

Got up early and walked to Luxemore Hotel to get my backpack. What a relief to get it back. My right heel began to hurt that morning. We got packed up and went to the Fiord land visitor center and wildlife refuge. We saw an endangered Tekahoe. Got some supplies at the supermarket and went back to catch the bus at the center. Then took the Tewara boat to the trailhead. This boat has been used for ages, doing the same voyage of 2 hours. Most the trampers are in their middle ages, which surprised me. It is such an awesome day, clear and sunny. I was so relieved to be on the track the first day. I saw many beautiful views and sand flies. That evening we stayed at Clinton Fork and I saw some glowworms.

February 19 — Mintaro Hut

Ate crackers, cheese and fruit rolls for breakfast. Took off on our way up Clinton River. Saw a river eel and Rainbow trout, and a Kia parrot. Walked under majestic cliffs with waterfalls cascading down. There were wild flowers in the valleys. Took a photo of suspension bridge and flower field. After leaving large pack at Mintaro hut we climbed up to Quinton Mackinnon pass. The plants changed considerably as we gained elevation. We saw some huge buttercups like plants and many ferns. There was a pleasant perfume of flowers along the way. The top offered majestic views of mountaintops. We returned back to the hut for dinner and sleep.

February 20 — Dumpling Hut

Milford Track - Dumpling Hut It was our third sunny day and the pass was spectacular. It was easier to climb the second time. A few clouds shrouded the peaks and a Kia bird was on the cliff. The path down was long and tiring. Donna took the large pack most of the time because my legs couldnÍt stand it anymore. We saw an awesome waterfall on pools and some lush rainforest. There were new steps and wood paths built for the track. We stowed our things in an old but and went on a side trip to Sutherland Falls. We wore our swimsuits and walked under the falls. The water was freezing cold. I was so exhausted I didnÍt know if I was going to make it. We were last ones back. After eating dinner I just slept.

February 21 — Sandfly Point

Milford Track - Milford Sound We rushed out early of the cabin early to catch the 2 pm boat at Sandfly Point. It was a rainy day. We ate as we walked. I got soaked to the bone during the 6-hour hike. The trail followed the Arthur River, crossed just after boat shed, and along the shores of Lake Ada. We saw Giant Gate Falls and Mackay Falls. The sand flies where very thick at the boat dock. After the boat took us to town, I got a hot meat pie at the Milford Cafe. That afternoon we boarded the Milford Wanderer for an overnight cruise. We cruised to the open sea past Mitre Peak, saw seals and more waterfalls. We took sea kayaks out for a row and saw a fishing trawler. We met David and Melissa from Perth; they shared a bunkroom with us.

February 22 — Milford Sound

Milford Sound Ü Te Anau That morning I saw a great view of Mitre Peak. We sailed around the sound for an hour before going back to shore. We got a ride with David and Melissa in their Hyundai Accent. We rode down the Milford Road and through the Homer Tunnel. We stopped and hiked up a steep trail along a waterfall. That evening we stayed at the Te Anau YHA. The 4 of us had pizza at Tosanos (the best pizza) and had a lot of fun. We shopped for some food and had ice cream cones after looking around town for my hat. We did some laundry since everything got wet on the track. My body was worn out and I was very tired.

February 23 — Mount Cook

We rode with David and Melissa up north and had lunch in Cromwell after seeing the bungee jumpers at Kawarau suspension bridge. We got some fresh fruit along the road. When we arrived at Mt. Cook, we walked to the Tasman glacier. I bought a leather cap since I lost my other hat in Te Anau. We made chicken spagetti for dinner in a cabin that we shared with David and Melissa.