First, thank you ryan for the post.
Second, I am to lazy/busy to write a super detailed post about bungee and Routeburn.
As for an update, last week, Adam, Crosby and I did the Hollyford track. Crosby and I only went about half way, and then came back out to do some day hikes in Fiordland, while, Adam continued on and got a little personal time. The part of the Hollyford I did was beautiful, as expected. It had some great water falls and lakes. We stayed in huts for both nights. They didn’t cost anything because we bought Back Country Hut passes, which are $92(so not exactly free) and allow you access to any hut, that is not on a great walk, for 6 months. Usually it is about 15 per night.
Once we were out of the Hollyford, we stayed at a campsite along the highway that runs from Te Anau to Milford Sound. The next day, we woke early and drove to Milford Sound to take a ferry ride around the sound. The sound is surrounded by 1000ft+ cliffs that rise strait out of the water. Most of the pictures of NZ, especially on postcards, are of this sound. It was absolutely stunning. I would advise, first, that those coming to NZ absolutely stop in Milford sound, and second, go early in the morning. For one, the prices increase throughout the day, but this is due to the large number of tour busses that come to drop people off, which is my second point: missing the crowd. When we went the weather was blue skies and little wind, which provided a beautiful view of the surrounding cliffs. However, do not be deterred by bad weather, actually be excited, because when it rains, the cliffs become covered in thousands of water falls. It is said that going when it is raining is an entirely different experienced; sometimes considered better. After the hour and a half ferry, we made our way back toward Te Anau; there is nothing to do in Milford Sound, there is only the ferry dock.
On the way back, we did a day hike, called Gertrude Saddle. I have to say that it is one of my top three hikes/scenic views so far, here in NZ. The hike took us up a valley to a saddle, passing a large lake. From the saddle you were able to see down this valley that stretched out pass multiple ridge lines and eventually lead to the ocean. The view was outstanding.
Gertrude Saddle
After the Gertrude Saddle, we went back to the same campsite as the night before. The next day was quite interesting. When we did the Routeburn the other week, the weather quite poor when we came over the saddle and the entire valley was filled with clouds, which is supposed to be the best part and the main reason for doing the track. Because of this and the fortune of good weather that week, Crosby and I decided to speed hike up to the saddle and back in one day. The hike took us 9 hours, they rate it to take well over a day, and we were exhausted by the end of it. It is debatable whether the hike was worth it, just for the view, but this is only came into question because the view was seen well enough earlier on the track. This meant that it was definitely worth doing it again, but maybe not all the way up to the saddle; either way, it was a good day of hiking.
After that exhausting day, Crosby and I returned to the hostel in Te Anau, which we had stayed at before starting the Hollyford, the following day and decided to take a few days off.
I do need to make a special note, though, about the hostel we are staying at. It is $30 a night, and is incredible. Located a little ways out of town, Bob and Mackenzie’s Backpackers has an amazingly homey feel that makes you not want to leave. The living room is large, filled with comfy couches, and a large glass window that warms the room during the afternoon. There is nice kitchen, furnished with numerous pots and cooking utensils. There is also unlimited internet for just $10. The beds are comfortable, and they provide towels for all the guests. For anyone planning on staying in Te Anau, I highly recommend this place.
This post is getting long, so I am going to make another one.
Cheers
Cooper
