Aoraki/Mount Cook to Christchurch 20 April 369 km

 As we leave Mt Cook we see some amazing morning views of the mountains. New Zealand is called the land of the long white cloud, and we have experienced this phenomenon where the clouds just seem to be floating stationary like some magicians trick, combined with the scenery does make this a magical experience. taking the scenic route to Christchurch, we ride along the foothills most of the way with the mountains still in view.

this is the last day of the trip covering 5585km as we zigzagged across the north & south islands, the beauty of this country is something I will never forget.

Dunedin to Aoraki/Mount Cook 19 April 364 km

Heading north we begin our day cruising the stunning coastline before cutting inland, riding through delightful rural valleys and passing by scenic rivers and quaint towns. As we approach Mount Cook along the shores of Lake Pukaki, our views of the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps are simply breath taking.

as an option to the tour I took another helicopter ride up into the mountains around Mt Cook, great fun to fly in the helicopter and get closer to these mountains :)

Te Anau to Dunedin 18 April 461 km

Another long day on the road, and rain up until lunch, so we haven't done too bad for weather on this trip so far, only 1 full and 2 half wet days, and supposed to be fine for the next 2 days.

today we cross the island again taking in great views along the way, from mountains, to green rolling farmland, to the pacific on the east coast, then on to Dunedin, where would you believe it we end up at a Castle, Larnach Castle built in 1871, now turned into a hotel, where I'm housed in the stables, which some may think appropriate, but, these are the most luxurious horse stalls that you could imagine, all fitted out with period furnishings, and a view overlooking the coast. FANTASTIC !

Painting of Larnarch Castle

Larnarch Castle

View from my room

Milford Sound 17 April 240km

Today we are riding from Te Anau to Milford Sound & back stopping on the way at mirror lake.

The ride is spectacular as we ride along the picturesque Milford Rd, passing through stunning landscapes of Fiordland including mountain ranges, glacier-carved valleys, clear blue lakes and native rainforest, every twist and turn revealing breath-taking views. after this we take a relaxing boat ride down Milford sound with its own stunning beauty, the only downside was that the day was overcast, which didn't make for the best photos of this beautiful fiord.

Queenstown to Te Anau 16 April 432 km

a long day today as we journey to the southern-most town of the South Island, Bluff, on our way to our destination for the next two nights, Te Anau, we also pass through Invercargill were we stop at Motorcycle Mecca,  which is the largest private collection of motorcycles in the southern hemisphere, and see the worlds fastest Indian motorcycle. the land around here is mostly used for sheep farming, and I must have passed thousands today.

Queenstown

 Today we have a free day in Queenstown, so I decided to do the Jet boat down the river, the the gondola ride up the mountain for the views. the scenery is great, I'll let the pictures tell the story, and oh yes I found a New Zealand Chess Set - "Ewe move first" Baaaaaa

Tonight we will be transported on a paddle-steamer for a what promises to be a genuine New Zealand experience - a delicious BBQ dinner and farm show.