The 24th-28th in NZ & Milford Sound

On the 24th of January, a Saturday, our kiwi experience group left Frans Josef and drove on down to Wanaka. Again, we made a few stops along the way to break up the repetitiveness of the bus ride. The first stop was to Lake Matheson. We did a walk around the lake there and took snaps of the morning reflections of the mountains on the water. Just when I thought this place couldn't get any more beautiful, I was proven wrong. 

It was a very calm and peaceful location (but I admit I did kind of want to throw a rock in the water)  

The bus ride dragged on because we had such a long drive. We made one more stop to see a very tall waterfall and drink a little of its water. 

Then then it was back on the bus until we arrived at Wanaka. Lake Wanaka was amazingly massive. 

That night Doug and I ate a salad for dinner and then went to the cinema with our friends to watch Unbroken. The movie theater was different than the ones back home. Here we had homemade ice cream and freshly baked cookies- a nice change. 

The next morning Doug and I woke up and went for a walk by the lake before starting the ride further south to Queenstown. We got on the bus that morning but soon made an unexpected pit-stop to puzzle world. 

We explored the illusions and mysteries and gave ourselves quite a headache before moving on to Queenstown. We nearly missed the bus because we got lost in an outdoor maze. Although, I don't think Doug would have minded staying there a few more hours. 

Queenstown has been one of my favorite stops thus far. 

It's an eclectic outdoorsy type of city. There's a huge lake on one side and the city itself is surrounded by mountains and forrest. There are all sorts of things to do outside and lots of shops around the city. The sunset in Queenstown is such an array of colors it's very easy to let your mind wonder and thoughts get lost. 

While in Queenstown Doug and I explored a bit and also ate at the renowned, Fergburger. 

Doug ordered a traditional burger and I ate the most wonderful-overflowing with goodness- chicken sandwich. It was the one time we didn't split a meal (and also the one time we seriously should have).

On the 27th Doug and I left Queenstown and took a bus to Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful places New Zealand has to offer. 

We went on a boat cruise and saw loads of waterfalls and seals. 

Doug and I decided to stay the night at the Milford Sound Lodge. 

We roomed with a girl from California who was traveling New Zealand completely by herself. She worked as a tax accountant and realized it was time for her to leave her job when she was so stressed out with work that she forgot to file her own taxes. Sometimes we just need that ah-ha moment to realize that travel needs to be a priority, and I'm happy she found hers. 

Milfird Sound had such unique scenery. None of the waterfalls looked the same and the design of all the mountains served as a wonderful distraction for my eyes. It didn't matter which direction you looked, it was all so picturesque. 

We hiked in Milford Sound and made pesto pasta with zucchini for dinner. (Doug and I are getting good at cooking on a budget).  

The bus ride back to Queenstown was about four hours. When we arrived we met up with our England friends at a new hostel called YHA. We only have two more days in Queenstown, but don't worry...we are going to make the most of them! You're going to want to stay tuned for what's ahead, trust me :) Here is a sneak peak.... 

Side note: 

I found this quote in a hostel we stayed at...I catch myself thinking about it constantly and I'm slowly starting to understand it in more ways than I originally had. 

It reads: "only after the last tree has been cut down, only after the last river has been poisoned, only after the last fish has been caught, only then will you find that money cannot be eaten." 

Interpret it as you wish :) 

Thank you so much for reading and have a lovely day!