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-   -   The Dramatic Landscape of South Island, New Zealand (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travelogues/131951-dramatic-landscape-south-island-new-zealand.html)

"Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin asto, hamin asto, hamin ast” - If paradise is anywhere on the earth, it is here, it is here, it is here!!
Jahangir used these words to describe the beauty of Kashmir Valley.

The dramatic landscape of New Zealand South Island invokes similar sentiments. Traditional Maoris call it ‘Te Wai Pounamu’ or Water of Greenstone! It hosts purest natural beauty with abundance of turquoise lakes, snow clad peaks, lush green forests and deep ravines.

Christmas break last year was the perfect time for us to visit New Zealand. It was a week-long 2000km drive across the South Island.

The route was set:
Day1 - Christchurch – Lake Tekapo – Lake Pukaki - Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Day2 – Mount Cook – Lindis Pass – Te Anau
Day3 – Te Anau – Fiordland National Park - Milford Sound – Queenstown
Day4 – Queenstown – Wanaka – Mount Aspiring National Park - Fox Glacier
Day5 – Fox Glacier –Arthurs Pass – Christchurch



Here’s my humble attempt to capture the beauty of this place. Hope you guys like it.

Images from Day1:

Cont..

A few more from Day1:

Mind-blowing!! This place sure looks like heaven! The views are breath-taking. You are very lucky to have been able to travel to this incredible place. And I have to say you have captured the stuff on your camera beautifully. Really amazing pics!

Give us a bit of travelogue too to compliment your photos!

Cheers. :thumbs up

Is that all you can say! :) Wow! The LOTR country is truly spectacular.
Really dramatic!

Stunning, C300. That lake is incredibly beautiful! And those roads look very driving-ticket friendly! :D

Looking forward to a write up and more details about the car you drove (Focus?).

Thanks Folks. Will post few more details shortly.

Thanks anekho. Thats a close guess! It was Falcon XR6 Auto -one of the flagship models of Ford Australia. They manufacture it locally for Australia and New Zealand markets. Typical Ford DNA when it comes to drive and handling. Given its reliability, its extremely popular with fleet/rental operators.
I booked it through Avis. My elderly parents were with me so the priority was a comfortable sedan with full safety kit.

Fantastic man and above all refreshing pictures. It's like the greenery and the blue waters is in your face. Did that Singapore trip materialize ? If it dint trust me this was worth more than that . Good one pal.

Thanks for your comment rjstyles69!
Singapore trip??

Few images from Day2 - The scenic drive from Mount Cook to the beautiful town of Te-Anau in southland region.

Mount Cook National Park


Lindis Valley




Lake Wakatipu


Lake Te-Anau


Lake Wakatipu


Te-Anau lake view from the Hotel Balcony

Hi C300

If there are 2 words to describe the place, its mind blowing.
If there is 1 word to describe it, its mindblowing.

Super place and your photography skills have enhanced it, I guess.

Keep it coming.

Subs

Thanks Subs! Appreciate your comment.

Absolutely fantastic place and even better snaps! :thumbs up Thanks for sharing.

A place like NZ does not figure in the list for an average globe-trotter. Experiences and snaps like these show what they are missing.

Added to my "places-to-be-visited-before-I-die" list! :)

Thanks again!

Thanks SDP.
Definitely worth a visit if you are a globe-trotter. What makes it unique is the diversity of landscape on either side of the southern alps mountain range. Rainforests on the west coast and rain shadow area towards east. In between numerous rivers and lakes.

I am attaching pictures from Day3. The drive from Te-Anau to Milford sound is a must do attraction of south island. The 118KM drive is through the heart of Fiordland National Park with jaw dropping scenery all around. The road is also prone to landslides due to frequent downpours.
As expected, it was rainy and overcast but I managed to take few pics in between. Luckily we didnt encounter any landslide.

Satellite image of the route (courtesy google maps):



State highway 94 through Fiordland National Park!







Milford Sound!

Stunning Pics man !! Day 1 pics are simply superb. The roads looks very inviting :). I am sure you had a blast driving through such glorious settings.

Can you please share some details on the hotels you stayed in and the car rentals ( rental charges, options available etc).

Thanks champ27. The car was booked through Avis New Zealand (www.avis.co.nz). A typical 5 seat sedan can be rented for around 100NZD per day including insurance.
I booked hotels through multiple sources after going through TripAdvisor reviews. There are plenty of accommodation options. Charges vary significantly from season to season but a decent hotel can be booked for around 200NZD a day.

Another option is to book a campervan. Many areas of NZ have free camping zones and a self-sufficient caravan can take you to some of the most remote and beautiful locations.
Check out these caravan operators.
www.maui.co.nz
www.britz.co.nz