You may have heard that NZ has a large sheep population. Nothing can prepare you for the number of sheep that you will see. They are everywhere you turn. It is extraordinary.
The Southern Scenic Route continues up to Te Anau at Doubtful Sound where the route ends, but the stunning scenery doesn't. Te Anau is right on the edge of the Fiordland National Park. We headed into the park and up to Milford Sound. This is the most popular of the Fiord's and in truth when I got there I was a little disappointed. There is no doubting it's beauty, but there is also no doubting the fact that it is a bit of a tourist trap. Coach loads of tourists come up here everyday to go for a cruise along the Sound. The terminal is very sterile. Also when the rain stops the little black sand flies come out and get everywhere.
It was nice to have been able to drive myself up there as then we can stop off at the less popular tourist spots that are just as stunning. I know I keep using words like spectacular, breathtaking, stunning, beautiful, but really there are not enough superlatives to describe the beauty. I know that the photo's just won't do it justice. It's just something that you must see. Although the weather was dreary it was still nice as it meant you could see the waterfalls cascading down the fiords.
It was a day full of Middle Earth moments.
We headed back out of the park and spent the night in Queenstown.
