A Big Adventure

Bill & Ted said:
It looks amazing, so many interesting geological features too
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Geologically speaking New Zealand is a young country.
It’s on 2 tectonic plates which are still moving and pushing at each other.
This created the Southern Alps running down the middle of the South Island and the earthquake.
There are still active volcanoes, geysers and some of the scenery looks other worldly.
It’s an amazing place.
 
Despite the forecast today has been lovely. Getting a bit breezy and chilly this evening though.
A free day so we rode up the Skyline Gondola and this afternoon just had a gentle walk through the gardens and along the lakeside.
Tomorrow is a travel day but not as long as some days.

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Saw this amazing piece of artwork at the top station of the Gondola - it’s made out of jellybeans.
Frodo from Lord of the Rings

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Merab's Slave said:
Geologically speaking New Zealand is a young country.
It’s on 2 tectonic plates which are still moving and pushing at each other.
This created the Southern Alps running down the middle of the South Island and the earthquake.
There are still active volcanoes, geysers and some of the scenery looks other worldly.
It’s an amazing place.
Click to expand...
Yes, the Pacific Ring of Fire 🔥 I’m fascinated by all things volcanic/tectonic. Yellowstone is amazing too
 
Weather not so great today but we were in the coach so it didn’t matter too much.
Still saw some beautiful scenery and had an interesting stop at an old gold mining town, Arrowhead.
Now at Te Anau - it’s cold and wet, then it clears before more rain. 🌧️

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Snow on the mountain top as we left Queenstown 🥶

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Glorious day today.
Despite dire weather forecast the sun shone on us. Some cloud, snow on the mountains and a bit cool, but a lovely day for a drive through the Fiordlands national park and cruise on Milford Sound.
Tomorrow we’re off to Dunedin for the last stop on the tour.

The Journey
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The Cruise

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IMG_0819.jpeg Our Minder 😁
 
Lovely drive from mountains to rolling hills today as we travelled to Dunedin.
Wonderful views from Signal Hill, a viewpoint above the city, we also saw the world’s steepest street - a few brave souls walked to the top, some of us climbed half way, others didn’t venture up at all.

IMG_0837.webp Rolling hills

IMG_0858.webp View over Dunedin

IMG_0863.webp Baldwin Street from the halfway point.
 
No time to update yesterday as we went on a wildlife excursion and weren’t back until late.
It was fabulous.
A drive round the Otago Peninsula and a visit to a Penguin reserve.
It was good to hear about the efforts to conserve some of the endangered species.

IMG_0908.webp White faced heron

IMG_0906.webp Black swans

IMG_0911.webp Sea lion

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IMG_0953.webp Penguins
 
Had a great day with my sister yesterday. Caught up with our, now grown up, nephews and just enjoyed being together again.
We went to the Antarctic Centre which was fascinating.

IMG_1006.webp The snow room. It was 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶

IMG_0998.webp Saw the huskies.

Gorgeous but not as cute as @Bradshaw Piggies ‘s Koda

IMG_0991.webp Little blue penguins - the smallest penguins.
 
Wow. What an adventure. I’ve loved the photos you’ve posted. Enjoy your family time 😍
 
It must be lovely to see your sister again after such a long time apart. Enjoy the time you have with her and your family over there. I too have enjoyed "visiting" New Zealand with you.
 
Fabulous photos. It's lovely to be abyto join you on your great adventure.x
 
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