When I planned out this trip I allowed a couple of days ambling driving past the southern alps (Ka Tirititiri O Te Mona)to see Franz Josef, Lake Wanaka and Queenstown but the weather decided otherwise. The picture above is one that epitomised the next 2 days driving with the exception of a couple of breaks.
On the way to Haast I stopped off at Ships Creek when a lull in the rain gave me a chance for a stretch of the legs.
A Little further was the most beautiful coloured glacial water at I think was called Whataro Gorge and this was well worth getting wet for.
I stayed the night in Haast and hoped that the weather would be kinder the next day but no unfortunately that was not to be the case. I barely stopped in Wanaka or Queenstown as the rain was so bad. Listening to the radio it said that the west coast has beed declared a drought area (it was only a few days later that Greymouth was evacuated because of the wet!!!!
Still a couple of scenes were worth the trouble.
As I neared Milford sound the rain was still plummeting down and my thoughts pondered on the outlook of being on a boat for an overnight trip with no views because of the conditions. Still I am always optimistic and whatever happens, happens.
Homer Tunnel…………1.2km to Milford Sound!
khrphotos 