Meanwhile, back in New Zealand, Lori and Brian continued their scenic journey of the South Island. They first visited Milford Sound, where they got some half-cloudy views of the sound both from the shore and on a short day-cruise. They then headed south to tour the scenic coast along the bottom of the South Island, from Invercargill to Dunedin. Scenic highlights for them included various beautiful bays and lighthouses, the sands and cliffs of Tunnel Beach, and the weird boulder balls at Moeraki. What follows are a few highlights from their extended journey:
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
Brian and Lori, Tunnel Beach
courtesy BConnell
courtesy BConnell
So, as Pu would say - we come to the end. New Zealand is indeed a wonderful place, and to those who claim it is just like other coastal mountain destinations (like the Canadian Pacific Coast or the US Pacific Northwest), I beg to differ. There's an immense difference in flora and fauna, for one. Secondly, there's a wider variation in climate zones - from sub-tropical to full alpine. Thirdly, there's a density difference. New Zealand has what I would call a "high-density" landscape: there's a lot of detail, of topography, packed into each square kilometre. Back in Canada, the change from one landform to another seems to occur on a much bigger scale. It's quite convenient in New Zealand: an hour's drive and everything is different!
So, to summarize, New Zealand is indeed great. Our meander through the country was excellent, but also incomplete. Our three weeks (five for Lori and Brian) really only scratched the surface of this detailed little country, and I look forward with great anticipation to my next visit - whenever that may be. Thanks to everyone who collaborated and co-operated to achieve the smooth execution of a complicated itinerary.