Tutoko Valley

14th Dec 2007 / 1.43pm

Eglinton River

14th Dec 2007 / 8.39am

En route Milford Sound

When we first set out from Te Anau, it was raining heavily, foggy and very cold (6-7 degree).

We stopped by for a couple of postcard pics here. It was drizzling and quite cold still (around 10 degree celcius).

What a morning, and i needed to look for toilet at least twice before reaching the destination.

Thinking back make me want to pee again... that's all for now...

Note: Need to clarify that this is the Old man's entry and have to understand his need to keep releasing himself......cos he is old man mah.

Milford Sound

14th December 2007 / 10.30am

This is the breathtaking Milford Sound – you can literally lost yourself in this picturesque fiord. It is a sight to behold with dramatic falls and mystic clouds far and wide.

It’s a kind of surrounding that you can amuse yourself with thoughts of swinging swords, side by side with Jack Sparrow against the “heartless” Davy Jones on the infamous cursed Black Pearl. Hmmm…for the young ones, you may want to swap Depp with Bloom. Ok, snap out of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” snippet and back to the intent of this entry…which is the Milford Sound…hee hee hee…

Milford Sound, despite the name, is actually a fiord. It’s spectacular scenery with waterfalls, towering cliffs, soaring mountains, remnant glaciers and wildlife makes a visit unforgettable. Nell was overjoyed with the glimpses of dolphins jumping in and out of the water. Liz... hmmm… was more into the bento set we ordered during the cruise, nevertheless, amused with the pod of dolphins flashing by. Whilst it’s a challenge trying to take a good photo of the fast in and out act from the dolphins, the seals got the best angle shots – sunbathing with cute little faces looking up to the curious onlookers like us....cute eh?

I was so immersed in the beauty and serenity of Milford outside the boat and had forgotten to take turn with Old man to accompany the girls inside. Well, what is new, Old man, came out whining about it….hahahahhahahhahaa

This is definitely a place not to be missed in New Zealand. The beauty of this place can even be seen before you reach the fiord – one of the most scenic drive thru out our trip. “2 thumbs up for Milford Sound”

The captain said we were lucky that it was a rainy day and we get to see a lot of waterfalls... some luck eh?


Liz and her Bento set... yum yum...


This is one of the 2 falls that the cruise got real close to...



More water falls, The Four Sisters (one is slightly hidden from view).

Deer Park Heights (and some rude friends)

13th December 2007 / Morning

Deer Park Heights is an 800 hectare safari teaming mainly with herbivors, some friendly, some not really so, i'll get into it in a short bit.

Among them are Deer (duh...), Bison, Goats, Sheep, Alpacas, Llamas, Kune kune (pig of Asian ancestry), Miniature Horses etc.

Deer Park was one of The Lord of The Rings's filming locations. Also, Walt Disney's "The Rescue" film-set is still there.

There wasn't anyone manning the entrance, just drive up to the gate, insert NZ20 note and the barrier will be lifted. It's free if you are on foot.

Animal feed can be bought at NZ2 (coin) at various stations. We only bought once because that was all the coin that we had. Luckily, we met the park ranger, he gave us plenty more for free ;)

Old lady & Nell (the animal lovers) were quite excited about this place and always rushed out of the car (before i could pull over completely) to catch up with their long lost friends, while Liz and I were just waiting inside the car most of the time, had some snacks, soft drinks while peering out to check on the gathering's situation.

I must say at times i went out to entertain a little bit, if not, i'd appeared to be too arrogant eh? At times i got to get out to control the situations when their friends got overly friendly and became rude.

See what i meant, old lady's ass friends coming for me food. No way, now go away! Of course the more aggressive ones were their Goat friends. they would prance towards you, no patient and no shame.



Some animals had been rounded just the day before, waiting to be sheared.



Nell, Liz & Friends.



The park is 550m above Queenstown with multiple lookouts, breathtaking views!




Liz decided to feed the red deer from a safer distance.




Yummy! Thanks Liz!


Nelly & Billy.


Nell feeding Alpacas and the shameless goat squeezing in even they were fed earlier.



It was an enjoyable experience, glad we stopped by before heading to Te Anau. Good Bye Deer Park - Old lady & Nell sobbed uncontrollably for couple of hours.

Old Man's Bungy - Kawarau, Queenstown

12th Dec 2007

Here's the video of old man jumping down from the Kawarau Bridge, and he survived.

Many people asked how did it feel. Well, to sum it up, it's like committing suicide.

It wasn't as scary until i made those little hops to the end of that pirate ship plank, Jack Sparrow there asked me to look at the camera in front and smile, it was the hardest thing to do, then he asked me to wave at the people witnessing my execution, still i gotta put up a strong macho front, but i think can tell it was fake from that paled face eh?

Anyway, i kept telling myself in my head that "It is safe to jump, it is safe to jump x 100"

Forget about all the planned expression and jumping style. I can't even think straight at that point.

When i finally did it, the feeling was - Orgasmic!

Bungy Jump = $160
DVD = $80
Feeling = $240 poorer


Note: Above video was recorded & edited from AJ Hackett's & my own clips.