With full stomachs and ready cameras, we marched out onto the bow to absorb the view. The high walls of the fjord were abundant with the usual shades of green and cascading waterfalls. The sun was extremely bright, casting rainbows in the veils as they crashed into the deep waters of this magnificent place. Although we were told that the best time to go is when it has been raining, there were still plenty of waterfalls.
We also got our first, and a great look at New Zealand Fur seals. The smaller boat was able to come up within 3 metres of the rocks where the seals were laying, although, we were still a fair distance from the seals. Relaxing in the sun, likely digesting away their last meal, they dozily rolled from side to side, barely acknowledging our presence.
A quiet cruise in the sun was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the crowded streets of Auckland. Blue sky everywhere, and small waterfalls trickling from the ancient rock that was once again carved out by a once massive chunk of ice.
The scope of the sound was difficult to capture in picture as the monolithic walls rose almost straight of the water and far enough that their peaks caught passing clouds.
At the end of the sound, we wandered through a rock lobster holding area and admired the stony beaches that may even have contained the precious mineral Jade. The sea also turned rough as we ventured beyond the sheltered waters of the inner sound, giving way to wave swept rocky outcrops and numerous seabirds including a Mollymawk, a relative of the albatross, which danced on the winds behind the boat as we turned to head back in.
Even more fur seals were basking in the fleeting rays of the sun as the mountain's shadow began to encompass much of the available haul out rocks.
We stopped to get an up close view of one of the larger water falls, and despite having read a bit on the tour and having seen photos, I admit I still was surprised by what was to come.
The lush green vegetation and algae that grew on these rocks were well supplied with moisture as the plumes of mist spread all around. I had fortunately switched to the waterproof camera, but still remained on the bow. When the captain announced that we should guard our cameras as it may get a little wet, I started to clue in.
And after this shot it was clear the captain was about to drench the bow, so I tucked away my other camera and ushered the girls back into the main area of the boat. Before I managed to get through the door, I was thoroughly soaked from the back of my pants to my head. The girls managed to get off with a light dampness...
Still, it was an absolutely majestic waterfall, a certain mystique that is characteristic of these Isles in the South Pacific. We dried off as best we could and then headed back to the bow to dry off in the sun as we rounded Mitre Peak to meet back up with the bus.
A splendid and relaxing tour, this day was to be probably one of the more relaxing days, at least for me. There would be much driving ahead of us over the next few days and little time to see the many wonders that lay ahead of us. Before we got back on the bus, we were treated to one last surprise. I gorgeous white heron, all ruffled and tufted at the end of the pier.
On the bus and back through the mountains, we reminisced on the sights of the day and discussed the plans for tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment