New Zealand ~ South Island
D80+18~135mm
Day 1
There's so much to complain about this tour. Stop at the place that shouldn't stop. Never stop at a place that has shooting op. well.... I think i will just share the happiness : )
The flight was delayed. We drove pass the Arthur pass and enjoyed the jaw dropping scenes of the unique alpine flora, river & snowcapped peak ...... through the car window >_< . We did stopped briefly at the Castle Hill, but the lighting was too harsh for photography.
~Greymouth at night~
We arrived in Greymouth just in time for the sunset. After enjoying the sunset, I turned around and saw the full moon rising in the east. : ) We stayed in Greymouth tonight. I now understood why the custom asked me why i go to Greymouth. >_< After scouting for almost thirty minutes, i couldn't find anything except the clock tower and this cottage by the Greg River
~Misty Morning 6:15a.m.~
The sunrise was blocked by the misty fog. So i went back to the hotel for a brunch buffet first. Poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with sautéed fresh spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and brie cheese, topped with hollandaise, served w/ potatoes ~~~ YUM YUM YUMMY YUM!
~Morning Stroll~
Sunshine finally broke though the clouds.
Day 1
There's so much to complain about this tour. Stop at the place that shouldn't stop. Never stop at a place that has shooting op. well.... I think i will just share the happiness : )
The flight was delayed. We drove pass the Arthur pass and enjoyed the jaw dropping scenes of the unique alpine flora, river & snowcapped peak ...... through the car window >_< . We did stopped briefly at the Castle Hill, but the lighting was too harsh for photography.
~Greymouth at night~
We arrived in Greymouth just in time for the sunset. After enjoying the sunset, I turned around and saw the full moon rising in the east. : ) We stayed in Greymouth tonight. I now understood why the custom asked me why i go to Greymouth. >_< After scouting for almost thirty minutes, i couldn't find anything except the clock tower and this cottage by the Greg River
~Misty Morning 6:15a.m.~
The sunrise was blocked by the misty fog. So i went back to the hotel for a brunch buffet first. Poached eggs on a toasted English muffin with sautéed fresh spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and brie cheese, topped with hollandaise, served w/ potatoes ~~~ YUM YUM YUMMY YUM!
~Morning Stroll~
Sunshine finally broke though the clouds.
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After breakfast, we were heading south and the drive was scenic, following the rugged coastline closely. We eventually arrived at pancake rock The pancake rocks were named for the thin layers of stacked rocks that make up the coastline in Punakaiki.
~Face~
my abstract approach of the pancake rocks.
The walk, about 15 minutes, passes interesting rock formations, a big arch and the blowholes.
On the way to Fox Glacier, we had our lunch in a small town called Ross. The rustic restaurant has some classic decor, but the food just couldn't wet my appetite.
Fox Glacier helicopter flight was probably the highlight and the most exciting activities of this trip. (I passed the bungee jump.)
Our pilot was so friendly and kept us informed as to what we were viewing as he guided the helicopter up to the point where we landed.
The weather was perfect. The sky was a vivid blue and the snow sparkling white.
The view of the glacier from this seat was impressive as we approached. I took several pictures through the windshield on the quick flight up the glacier. My circular polarizer was useful to cancel reflections from the glass.
We landed on the snow.
Your keeping us in suspense, who did you tour with???
Work hard, play harder. bloggy
I woke up , see the dark and dreary day that's set out ahead of me and i could only wish the rain won't last long to ruin today adventure.
The rain finally dried up and the sun came out when we arrived at Lake Wanaka.
We stopped shortly at Kawarau Bridge.,the world first and most famous of Bungy Jump. I dared my tour mate to with me. Of course, none of them has the guts. You jump, I jump....haha
After this interlude, we entered Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is New Zealand’s premier resort.
After lunch, we had a rare two hour free time to explore the picturesque Queenstown.
For the most afternoon, i just lazed in this scenic town. It was just so relaxing that i didn't even want to pick up my camera.
Lake Wakatipu is a 50-mile long, serpentine body of water formed from the melting ice of South Island glaciers. I can soak in this crystal clear water all day long.
Queenstown's famous "Lady of the Lake" has been in operation since 1912, when it first set off on its Maiden Voyage from Kingston. Originally designed to carry sheep, cattle, and passengers to high country stations around the lake, today the Earnslaw runs tourist cruises to Walter Peak high country station.
An endless variety of adventure sports are also offered here. But here was where i chose to go to...a barber shop. Umm...not the sexy style i want to have, but my spirit is fueling again after staying in the bus for so long.
Later, we went up the gondola for a view of the town and the Remarkables, the nearby craggy mountain range.
A panorama view of the town. We were there way too early, (Sunset is around 9:00p.m. during the summer in New Zealand) as I expected there would be an amazing sunset with the clear weather.
I just chit chatted with my tour mate with my limited Mandarin after i took a few pictures and wrote a couple of post cards to my parents and friends.
A few more snaps after the Korean BBQ
A spectacular views over the Lake Wakatipu from our hotel. The hotel facilities was great including a seasonal swimming pool, a spa, sauna and gymnasium. But I was heading to wine tasting once I dropped off the luggage.
I was getting too drunk I could barely hold my camera without shaking at this point. :P
We found a bar around the pier for second round...
Work hard, play harder. bloggy
always exciting to see people on tour sharing their snaps.esp when we know all the spots and know what's coming up for ya. So many scenes so little time.
And He set them all in the heavens to give light upon the earth; And God saw that it was good.
Ive seen the light and it is indeed very good
http://www.lightchasers-nz.com/
http://choudhrysaab.smugmug.com
The drive to Milford Sound was so scenic. We didn't make too many stop as usual especially we had a cruise schedule in the afternoon.
Yup, it was sunny, but it was not common in this place. The Milford track is famous for rain, getting around 5-8 meters a year. Our tour guide told us we should go to buy lottery......
~Cruise adventure~
~Glow and rainbow~
We cruised along quite close to the shore and at a couple spots the captain took the bow of the boat right under the waterfalls.
~Capture the sky~
Looking up from the deck.
~Dream in wave~
~River of Paradise~
On our way back to Te Anau, we stopped by a river to fill up the water
Lake Te Anau
This shot was taken before we headed off to Milford Sound.
~Tree frame~
~Meet the darkness~
We stayed in Te Anau tonight. I was spending time walking some of the shorter tracks, but I had to go back to the hotel before the sky turning dark completely
So which one is you, Ellie (my god daughter ^_~ ) ? Star Trail in Te Anau
I went to a bar for some late night snack and watched the Australian open final.
~Red cottage~
Woke up six o'clock in the morning to try to catch the sunrise. But figured out the sun was up on the other direction...
~Fantasy~
~Reversed Reality~
there's almost no water movement in this mirror like lake during pre-dawn.
~Peaceful~
The moon was still up, and the sunlight was falling on the mountain already.
~Another early bird~
~Golden boat~
~Tranquility~