New Zealand, Part Two:
Te Anau and Doubtful Sound
Next it was on to Te Anau, a tiny lakefront town that serves as a jumping-off
point for various tours of the area. This stop included perhaps my favorite
activity of the entire vacation--a cruise on Doubtful Sound, one of the many
fiords of the west coast of the island. Thanks to the recent rainfall, there
were plenty of short-lived waterfalls cascading down into the sound. Together
with the low clouds clinging to the hillside, this made for some amazing
scenery. If you visit the south island, going on a fiord cruise should be one of
your top priorities.
We
also got some good looks at local wildlife, including a reticent penguin and a
school of playful dolphins.
Many electrons died to bring you this photo.
My
dad's been an avid bagpiper for several years now.
He brings his pipes almost everywhere he goes, just for an opportunity like this.
On
the way back to Te Anau, the bus stopped at the Manapouri Power Station, a
hydroelectric plant providing electricity to the region. To me, the place just
looked like something a Bond villain would be operating. All I could think of as
I looked out over the machinery was what it would look like with a bunch of
British military rappelling down the far side.
Back
in Te Anau, we visited a bird sanctuary, where Gwendolyn communed with this
kindred spirit.
This kea is a parrot native to New Zealand.