New Zealand - South Island:- March 1996

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New Zealand Nature Safaris (as was).

The Secret South continued on from Queenstown, taking in Fjordland, the South Coast, Mt Cook and finally Mt Somers, before finishing up in Christchurch. Another fantastic 10 days, made even better once the weather started picking up.

 

Day 1 - Green Lake in Fjordland Day 2 - an expert demonstrates the art of stone-skiming. And it was early. Secret South crew L-R: Simone, Estella, Greg, Beate, Molly, Megan, Christie, Yours truly Day 3 - Beach hike along to Port Craig in Waitutu Forest Park. Sunset at Port Craig
Day 4 - "rest day" - Simone demonstrates the art of eating out of a frisbee. Day 5 - Curio Bay in the Catlins National Park. Curio Bay - home of a very friendly pod of Hectors Dolphins, who didn't mind us swimming with them. Day 6 - the group pose on the cliff top at Cannibal Bay L-R: Standing: Claudine, Simone, Megan, Molly, Moi; Seated: Greg, Estella, Beate, Mark Cannibal Bay - Hooker sea-lions having a set to.
Setting the hungi at Cannibal Bay - no human flesh involved. The Hungi in action.... Day 7 - off over the Dunstan Track towards Mt Cook Our "Campsite" near Danzies Pass didn't look too promising initially. With a little help from Greg we soon changed that.
Day 8 - onwards to Mt Cook - the southern alps in full glory. During a walk up to Sealey Tarns, an encounter with some "workmen" Sealy Ridge - L-R: Simone, Molly, Moi, Megan, And time for some bouncing on Sealy Ridge This time a more composed bounce. L-R Simone, Molly, Megan, Moi, Beate
Some Keas come out to see what all the bouncing is about. Aircraft happens by Mt Cook just as I snap. Sunset on Mt Cook. Tasman Glacier After the exertions of the day what more could one ask for than a relaxing (and illegal) dip in the spa pool of the Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel - if only they knew... L-R Greg, Mark, Mollie, Megan, Christie
Approaching Mt. Somers - home to yet another remote Sauna. Simone and Claudine at the end of the Mt Somers walk - the finish of another great trip. Farewell party in Christchurch - L-R: Simone, Megan, Claudine, Molly, Mark and the starring role played by yours truly.