New Zealand Self Drive Vacations
Vacation Ideas

In the background, as we approached the snow-covered Southern Alps we could see Mt Cook, the highest peak in the area.

The lakes were a milky green-blue color due to all of the silt run-off, and the braided streams in the valleys were breath-taking! We stayed in a lovely bed and breakfast overlooking the lake and the town.

It was in December so it was becoming springtime in the southern hemisphere. While there we chartered a small plane and flew south to Milford Sound.

This is a beautiful area for New Zealand self drive vacations. It resembles a Norwegian fjord. The mountains rise straight out of the water and seem to go up forever! The hanging glaciers and waterfalls add another dimension to the experience.

We took a boat ride through the fjord and out into the entrance to the Tasmanian Sea. Along the way we spotted huge rocks with many seals sunning themselves. >

On the return flight to Queenstown we flew over the Thompson Glacier and were able to view the glacier from a unique perspective. It was so enjoyable because of the amazing beauty of the area, and because of the incredible warmth and genuine friendliness of the people.

We toured a few vineyards and fell in love with the area to such a degree that we explored the idea of actually moving there and running a vineyard operation!

I heartily recommend this trip to anyone interested in seeing spectacular natural beauty and meeting some of the worlds friendliest people! I’m a big fan of New Zealand self drive vacations. This is a fantastic way to see what I consider to be the most beautiful country in the world.

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