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Source: Dave Hagen
10 Dec 12
Dave & Patty were finally able to realize the opportunity to explore New Zealand from top to bottom (literally horizontally and vertically) and to stop in at Sydney to see our wandering friends Debbie & Chilly Pustetto in their home town. We met on our Danube Cruise in 2007 and it took us 5 years to live up to our threat to visit them "Down Under"!!
After the Pustettos graciously hosted us by giving us a Royal Treatment throughout the Sydney harbour, we flew to Auckland to undertake a thorough expedition of the mysterious volcanic island country of New Zealand.
We covered both islands thoroughly, from sea to mountain, from city to town. But we spent most of our time on the South Island. It is the size of Minnesota, but lightly populated by 1/5th of our home state. Still, they have nearly all the scenic thrills of the full USA, from Maine to Southern California!!!
Inhabited only recently (Maori about 1300, European about 1700), and still forming with volcano eruptions still quite recently, NZ is pristine and over-powering scenically. We stayed principally in B&B's who were operated by well-informed and helpful folk who taught us how to enjoy the home country that they are all so proud of!!
Milford Sound was the most spectacular venue, and we were lucky enough to be able to fly in and out on the clearest of days to see the fjord, the mountains, the sea and the wildlife! And among all the boat explorations, winery visits, mountain trail riding and spectacular hiking tracks, we were never without jaw-dropping scenery!!
Deb & Chilly hosted us in Sydney
Where people party continually
We found spectacular lodging in NZ
And Patty was able to hike wonderful trails
The lovely Dunedin Harbour
Snow- capped mountains everywhere
We visited the Yellow-Eyed Penguins
Just after their young had hatched!
We cruised Milford Sound
By flying in & out through the Mountains!
We flew on a super, clear day
And landed on the mini Milford runway!
We were a long way from home
But all creatures were very friendly!
The animals welcomed us
And the people watched out for our safety!