Our journey through New Zealand’s South Island kicked off in the adventure capital, Queenstown. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this charming town is surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps. Originally settled by the Maori people, Queenstown gained prominence during the gold rush era, its streets echoing with tales of fortune seekers and pioneers.
Wandering through the old town, we marveled at the blend of heritage and modernity. The historic buildings stood as silent witnesses to the town’s evolution, a stark contrast to the vibrant energy pulsating through its bustling streets. Queenstown, once a tranquil stop on the gold rush trail, has transformed into a global hub for adrenaline junkies and nature enthusiasts.
We took the Skyline Gondola for a visual feast of Queenstown’s unparalleled landscapes. The gondola whisked us skyward, revealing a breathtaking tapestry of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables Range, and the town nestled in the embrace of nature. We savored these moments, knowing that our South Island adventure had only just begun. As the sun dipped behind the peaks, we retired early, eager for tomorrows adventures.
We rose early to another beautiful day. Our hearts raced as we boarded the Shotover River Jetboat and began slicing through the narrow canyons and turquoise waters. The jetboat, a symbol of Kiwi ingenuity, maneuvered with precision, its driver navigating the twists and turns with 
exhilarating skill. As we clung to the handrails, the sheer rock faces blurred in our peripheral vision, and adrenaline surged with every thrilling twist. What a ride!!!
Our pulse still echoing the adrenaline-fueled beats from the Shotover River, we approached the bungy jumping site at the Kawarau Bridge, a mere 20 minutes from Queenstown. Here, the thrill-seekers’ pilgrimage takes a historic turn with the legacy of AJ Hackett, a Kiwi daredevil who revolutionized the concept of bungy jumping.
AJ Hackett, inspired by the vine jumpers of Vanuatu, introduced the world’s first commercial bungy jumping operation at Kawarau Bridge in 1988. This historic suspension bridge, built in 1880, spans the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, creating an iconic backdrop for those ready to defy gravity. The Kawarau Bungy, standing at 141 feet, is the original and continues to draw adventurers from around the globe.
As we stood on the precipice of the bridge, we couldn’t help but appreciate the blend of tradition and innovation. AJ Hackett’s pioneering spirit transformed a simple vine-jumping tradition into a global phenomenon, and each leap is a nod to the Kiwi’s audacity and the evolution of extreme sports. With he river 141 feet below, reflecting the hues of the surrounding landscapes, we gathered our courage (some better than others) for the challenge, the rush of free falling into the cold water of the Kawarau River. With our hearts still pounding, we left the Kawarau Bridge with a newfound respect for the man who turned an ancient ritual into a modern marvel,
After a good dinner and lots of drinks and laughs we headed back to our hotel to get ready to start hiking the famous Routeburn Track the next morning.
Hiking the Routeburn Track
Our next adventure kicked off with an early rise, braving the cold and rain for a journey into the heart of Mt Aspiring National Park. This pristine wilderness, named after New Zealand’s third-highest peak, is a sanctuary of glaciers, alpine meadows, and beech forests. The Routeburn Track, one of the Great Walks, meanders through this landscape, promising a tapestry of natural wonders.
The weather had started to clear by the time we arrived at the Routeburn Track trailhead. The trail unfolded along the picturesque Route Burn Creek. By midday, we arrived at our first campsite in Routeburn Meadows. As the skies continued to clear, we seized the opportunity for an unplanned ascent to the Harris Saddle and Conical Hill. The panoramic spectacle from Conical Hill, was a visual feast.
Morning arrived cold and rainy for our trek to Mackenzie Shelter, but undeterred, we began trudging our way along the mist-laden trail thankful that we had climbed up to the Harris saddle the day before. The dismal weather veiled the grandeur of the surroundings, but camaraderie fueled our spirits. Mackenzie Hut welcomed us with a dry shelter and became a sanctuary for laughter and shared tales with fellow hikers.
As the night unfolded, so did the weather’s capricious nature. Waking up to a transformed landscape, Mackenzie Lake and its neighboring peaks emerged, in all their spectacular glory. 
Energized by the newfound vistas, we aimed for Howden Hut, traversing moss-draped trees reminiscent of the Ents in Lord of the Rings. Spectacular 570 foot Earland Falls, added an enchanting touch along the trail.
Our day culminated with a refreshing swim in Howden Lake, the pristine waters mirroring the surrounding beauty. A hillside exploration amplified our connection with the wilderness. Evening at Howden Hut unfolded as a sanctuary of warmth, blending hot meals, friendly chatter, and the allure of the great outdoors.
Rising with the sun, we bid farewell to the tranquil Howden Hut, embarking on the last leg of our Routeburn Track adventure. The trail unfurled through captivating landscapes, leading us to the highway to Milford Sound. At the highway, we caught a shuttle to transport us to the legendary Milford Sound.
Milford Sound
The final leg of our New Zealand escapade unfolded as we bid adieu to the Routeburn Track and set our sights on the iconic Milford Sound. Awaiting the shuttle, we anticipated the wonders of this fjord, carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age. SH94, our gateway to Milford Sound, cradled us through the heart of Fiordland National Park, a wilderness that has stood the test of time.
Milford Sound, often referred to as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ is a testament to the sheer power of nature. Hemmed in by towering cliffs, including the majestic Miter Peak, its waters are a playground for both marine life and adventurers seeking a rendezvous with untamed beauty.
Under a bright sun and a scattering of clouds, our kayaking odyssey began. The tranquil waters of Milford Sound mirrored the grandeur above, as we paddled beneath cascading waterfalls and alongside imposing cliffs. A serendipitous encounter with a lively pod of Dusky Dolphins added an unexpected chapter to our journey, their acrobatic displays captivating us for hours.
As the sun reached its zenith, we sought refuge in a secluded cove, savoring a lunch with Milford Sound’s majesty as our backdrop. The impending storm clouds hinted at the mercurial nature of Fiordland’s weather, but undeterred, we embarked on our shuttle to Te Anau, our last stop for the night.
Our drive through Fiordland National Park unfurled a mesmerizing panorama. Along the Eglinton River, a meadow painted in Lupines unfolded, a burst of color against the dramatic landscapes.
The next day our journey continued southward, reaching Invercargill, where the vast ocean landscapes stretched to the horizon. The iconic imagery of lush green fields adorned with white sheep, a quintessential Kiwi scene, accompanied our passage. Each turn in the road revealed the diverse tapestry of New Zealand’s South Island, a land of contrasts and harmonies.
As we journeyed back to Christchurch, the landscapes morphed with every passing mile. The lush meadows, coastal vistas, and expansive oceanscapes stood as a poignant farewell to a land that had enraptured us for days. Our New Zealand odyssey concluded, leaving us with memories of the South Islands grandeur and the open-hearted embrace of its people.