Doubtful Sound

February 15, 2015
The southeast corner of the South Island is called "Fiordland". These fiords were carved out by glaciers and are where New Zealand's most spectacular sights are to be found. The area is pelleted by the cold easterly winds and constant heavy rains from the Pacific Ocean's Tasman Sea. Three days here without rain is considered a drought. As luck would have it, we experienced a Fiordland drought.

Considered to be the most spectacular fiord and hardest, most expensive, to get to is the 56 mile long Doubtful Sound. You take a bus to a demarcation place on Lake Manapouri, cross the lake, then take another bus over Wilmot Pass, road of which is considered the most expensive ever built in New Zealand, to board the "Fiordland Navigator" for an overnight cruise of the sound.  Your mind seems never to tire of one spectacular vista after another.

The intrepid group of sailors Mary S. Nick S. Dave B. Ann B.

Boat to ferry us across Lake Manapouri

Lake Manapouri vista, a teaser as to what is to come

Beginning of Doubtful Sound from Wilmot Pass

The Fiordland Navigator, our cruise ship

Great en suite stateroom on Bridge Level, most exclusive and private

Spectacular vista

Another spectacular vista

 "Wild" Fiordland dolphins performing

David B. and me showing our fiord kayaking skills

Along with several others

My only New Zealand leap, off the high stern of the boat. Maybe more stupid than jumping out of a plane or off a cliff.

Fur seals at mouth of Doubtful Sound, almost heated to extinction by greedy Europeans.

Sunset amongst the fiords